asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has submitted a special case on behalf of Irish farmers to the EEC Commission; if he expects a special package of measures for Ireland to be agreed this year over and above the measures to be agreed in the 1982 price proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EEC Special Package.
290.
I have on a number of occasions, most recently during a special meeting last month, discussed the particular problems faced by Irish farmers and arising from developments over the last three years with Commissioner Dalsager. I will be continuing these discussions at a further meeting with him next week.
I have also discussed these matters with most of the Ministers for Agriculture of the other EEC member states during the course of visits to their capitals in recent weeks, as well as in the course of bilateral discussions during meetings in Brussels.
On the forthcoming price negotiations, I will be pressing for arrangements which will bring the maximum possible benefit to the Irish farm sector.