(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture the present position in relation to the European Commission's latest proposals for adjustment of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Common Agricultural Policy.
37.
The general ideas on adjustment of the CAP contained in the Commission's Green Paper of last July have been the subject of several discussions at the Council of Agricultural Ministers in the latter half of 1985. Following these discussions as well as consultations on the Green Paper with the sectors concerned, the Commission submitted to the Council last month a communication setting out a series of guidelines for the future of European agriculture. The Communication emphasised the need for adjustment of production in surplus sectors, including diversification of production and stressed also the income needs of small farmers, environmental requirements and the possible role of agriculture in contributing to the development of new industrial technology in the Community. The communication was supplemented by memoranda which outlined the Commission's ideas on adjustment to the beef and cereal market organisations.
At a meeting of the Council of Ministers on 20/21 January — incidentally attended by Minister of State, Deputy Hegarty — it was indicated that the Commission intended to submit concrete proposals concerning adjustments of the market organisation for cereals and beef in the first week of February together with price proposals for 1986/87. This country's detailed response will be formulated when these substantive proposals are presented and have been studied. Proposals already to hand in respect of the milk sector are under discussion at official level.
(Limerick West): Does the Minister envisage that the dismantling of the intervention system — perhaps “dismantling” is not the appropriate word; perhaps its revision is more appropriate — would form part of the review of the Common Agricultural Policy?
Unfortunately I did not bring my crystal ball with me today but there are a number of very severe proposals before us from the Commission, very severe, particularly in regard to milk, beef and cereals. I am not in a position and would consider it unwise to endeavour to venture a guess as to what will be the outcome of those proposals. But it will be particularly tough and we shall oppose anything that will affect our agriculture. The detailed price proposals, together with these other proposals on beef, milk and cereals, will not be discussed until at least the meeting in February. Therefore it would be rather rash of me to make any predictions at this stage.
(Limerick West): Can the Minister indicate what support he will receive from other member states in his efforts?
That information is not readily available. We have been in contact with other member states. They will support us on some measures and not on others. They will suit themselves.
(Limerick West): The Minister mentioned diversification in the course of his reply. Could he indicate what type of assistance will be forthcoming from the Commission for such diversification?
We have always had the assistance needed from the Commission in the form of FEOGA grants. That type of assistance has always been available, will continue to be available in the future and will be actively promoted both by us and by the Commission.
(Limerick West): In view of the proposals contained in the revision of the Common Agricultural Policy would the Minister indicate what plans his Department might have to seek third country markets and to develop such markets?
In regard to what commodities, specific or general?
(Limerick West): I am talking about dairy and beef products in particular.
We have a State board, CBF — better known as the meat board — which carries out that role in regard to beef and sheep — and in this year's Estimates the Government increased the allocation to that board by 40 per cent. I foresee the activities of that board being of considerable benefit to the country. On the other hand, there is a private body, An Bord Bainne, promoting the milk products sector. They too are doing enormously good work. There have been some significant sales of both beef and milk products out of intervention in recent months. That is to be welcomed.
A Cheann Comhairle——
Would the Deputy bear with the Chair for a moment? Some considerable time past there was an order of this house made which confined supplementaries on questions nominated for priority to the Deputy who had put down the Question. I am sorry, Deputy Fitzgerald.
We are bringing a European dimension to this debate.
That is not being nice to Deputy Fitzgerald. He is doing his best.
(Interruptions.)
What is the Minister saying?
He is paying compliments to the Deputy. Let him answer the question.
Maybe he would not like the question I was going to ask.
(Interruptions.)
Would the Minister please answer the question?
(Interruptions.)
Order, please.
A Deputy opposite was making the remarks. I said it was not fair.