asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a discussion document dubbed the Perspectives Paper is now being debated by the European Commission which, if implemented, would devastate Irish agriculture with consequent disastrous effects on our economy; if he will guarantee his opposition to any proposals which will take land out of production while Britain, Germany and the Benelux countries import farm products at will from outside the EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Common Agricultural Policy.
17.
Earlier this year the Commission decided to instigate a debate under the general heading of "Perspectives for the Common Agricultural Policy", the aim being to define the future prospects for European agriculture. The Commission's internal work on this is now well advanced and it is expected that a consultative document will be issued shortly for discussion with the various Community bodies and interested groups. Following that the Commission will present its conclusions and proposals to the Council of Ministers towards the end of the year. At this stage and in the absence of the Commission's consultative document it is not possible to make detailed comments. Naturally, it will be my endeavour to ensure that the overall line of development to be followed will help to strengthen and consolidate the CAP and assist the progress and expansion of Irish agriculture in the years ahead.
Has the Minister read this discussion document and has he had consultations with our Commissioner, Mr. Sutherland, on this subject? Also, what policy line is being pursued by the Government now?
I am not aware that the document is available so I have not read it, but I have heard a rumour to the effect that the Commission may be discussing it today. I am not aware of the contents of the document.
I do not know whether the Minister reads The Irish Times but I find that paper generally to be most accurate. Has he read an article in The Irish Times in the past week to the effect that this document was discussed last week? I am disgusted that the Minister, as a very interested party, has not acquainted himself to date with the contents of the document. Is the Minister aware that the document contains the suggestion that market prices must be given a greater role where surpluses exist? It acknowledges that this would mean lower incomes, more unemployment and taking land out of production. Has anybody in this country quantified the effects such policies would have here, to what degree national employment would be affected, and how many acres would be taken out of production?
I can only repeat what I have said: I have not seen the document. I do not believe it is in general circulation because I would have been appraised of its contents if that were so. We have a permanent representative in Brussels to look out for such documentation and to keep an eye on matters for the Irish Government. In the event of the document not being available, and we not having seen it, whatever may be reported in newspapers is most likely to be speculation and I am not in a position to comment. If the reports are detrimental to the interests of Irish farming, then of course we will certainly be opposing them.
I must move on to the next question.
I find the Minister's answer totally parallel to what happened to us a couple of years ago——
That is not a question, Deputy, and I am calling the next question.
——in relation to the midlands when the Minister was not aware of what had happened.
I am calling the next question.
Even prompted by my question he failed to find out what is going on in Europe. It is just not acceptable.
There is an element in Standing Orders which says that when the Chair is on his feet a Deputy will sit down. There are three questions nominated for priority today. We are now well into the last five minutes of Question Time and it is only fair that we should be allowed to move to the last question and that is what I intend doing. Question No. 18.
The question I put down is certainly the most important question that will ever be put on an Order Paper.
I am calling Question No. 18 and the Minister will answer it.
Deputy H. Byrne has insinuated that I am misleading the House, because he is insinuating that I know, or should know the contents of a document which has not been circulated——
I am not insinuating that the Minister is misleading the House. I am saying he is incompetent.
The document is not available and neither I nor any member of my staff has any knowledge of what it contains.
The Minister has made a statement and it should be accepted.
We will have to accept his incompetency.
I object——
I do not know about that——
I suppose one could say that Deputy H. Byrne is living up to form. I saw where somebody referred to him as the well-known wit from Wexford. I would say he is the well-known half wit. That might be only half the truth——
That is not in order.
(Limerick West): The Minister should withdraw that charge.
There seems to be a conspiracy to keep Deputy J. Walsh out. I would ask the Minister to withdraw his remark about "half wit".
For the sake of friendship and all that, I do so.
It is the Minister's form.