asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the content of the recently agreed EC negotiating positions for the current round of GATT talks; and if he will make a statement as to whether he fully agrees with all aspects thereof.
Written Answers. - GATT Talks.
126.
The EC has agreed negotiating positions on only two topics— tropical products and agriculture.
The paper on tropical products authorises the Community to offer more liberal access to its market for tropical products at all stages of processing. The paper on agriculture envisages short-term and long-term measures to reduce world surpluses and to achieve and maintain a balance between world production and consumption.
I agree with the draft negotiating positions which have been arrived at after full consideration in the interested Departments here and discussions at the appropriate EC meetings.
The Deputy may be assured that Irish interests will be safeguarded as the negotiations proceed.