(Limerick West) asked the Taoiseach if he will give the House a report on his discussion with President Mitterand in Dublin on 21 February; and if he will indicate the position in regard to the proposed milk super-levy following the statement of the French President.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discussion with President Mitterand.
1.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is not the practice nor would it be appropriate for me to disclose details of confidential discussions at the present stage of intensive and critical negotiations in the Community in the period between now and the meeting of the European Council in Brussels next month.
(Limerick West): Will the Taoiseach indicate to the House if the French President accepted that the compromises proposed at the Athens summit would form the starting point of negotiations on Ireland's demand for exemption from the super-levy or does Ireland now have to go back to square one?
Ireland's stand is what it has been throughout, namely, that we seek an exemption from the super-levy.
(Limerick West): Will the Taoiseach state if the French President indicated that France was prepared to support Ireland's case for exemption from the super-levy?
The French President speaking at a press conference here gave an indication of the necessary distinction between his position as President and his position as head of the French State and Government. I have to say that throughout the various negotiations France has been helpful to and supportive of us in relation to this matter.
The Taoiseach should answer the question. Is the President going to support our case for an exemption?
I have answered that question. The President was asked a question and he gave an answer appropriate to his dual role at the present time.
(Limerick West): In view of the Taoiseach's reluctance to state one way or another whether the French President indicated his attitude has he any proposals to undertake any diplomatic initiatives of his own to secure Ireland's exemption from the super-levy?
I have taken the necessary diplomatic initiatives and I have maintained contact with the situation as it has developed since Athens. I am now prepared for the meeting of the European Council on 22 March.
From the reluctance of the Taoiseach to answer a straight question from my colleague, Deputy Noonan, it would seem to me that the French President did not indicate any support for Ireland's position with regard to the super-levy and our exemption therefrom. In view of the very serious position that obtains generally in relation to the Community, its development, its financing, the super-levy, the Common Agricultural Policy generally and other issues, will the Taoiseach consider having a debate or a discussion of some kind in the House before the Council meeting takes place?
As I have said twice already, at a press conference the French President made a distinction between the French position of sympathy with the Irish position and the necessity for the Presidency of the Council to hold a position of neutrality on this point. With regard to a debate, in view of the nature of the negotiation and its vital importance to the country, I doubt if a debate at this stage would be helpful or necessary.
I am sure the Taoiseach will understand that a small farmer in west Limerick producing milk would find it very difficult to distinguish between the French President speaking as President of France and speaking as President of the Council of Ministers, and in the interests of the farming community the Taoiseach might be a little more forthcoming. He must be as aware, as I and all my colleagues are, of the serious worry among the farming community about the future not alone of the dairy industry but also for the entire Common Agricultural Policy. I am not speaking in terms of debating the matter fully, although I have seen occasions in the past when a debate of that kind was of help to the Government in strengthening their hand in going into meetings. Does the Taoiseach not consider that this House, the public and particularly the farming community are entitled to know the present state of play in regard to some of these fundamentally important issues and the general attitude of the Government in regard to them, without necessarily disclosing any particular bargaining position on any issue?
We had a debate here before the Athens summit and it was helpful to have it at that time, but I doubt if a debate at present would strengthen our position any further and possibly it could operate the other way. Our position is now well established and it is well understood by our partners. I think we should proceed from where we are, to seek exemption from the super-levy and to ensure preservation of the Common Agricultural Policy. There is fundamental agreement in this House on these matters and I think it might be better to leave it at that at this stage.
(Limerick West): Does the Taoiseach believe that the reported shift in our negotiating position, namely, that instead of being against the super-levy in principle we favour imposing a milk super-levy on all countries except Ireland, strengthens or weakens our negotiating position?
We have made it quite clear that we regard the super-levy as being an inappropriate method of dealing with the problem. We indicated other means by which the matter might be better pursued. Developments at Athens suggested that there is a measure of consensus among other members that the super-levy may be the best way to tackle the problem. It is essential for us that we be exempted from its operation.
(Limerick West): Does the Taoiseach believe that?