asked the Taoiseach the proposed agenda for the European Council at Hanover.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Council at Hanover.
3.
It would not be appropriate for me, nor is it the practice, to disclose in advance the agenda for European Councils which is normally proposed by the Presidency.
Would the Taoiseach take the opportunity at Hanover of attempting to retrieve some of the ground which has been lost in the farm price talks and try to ensure that, first, it will be on the agenda and, second, that some reasonably satisfactory arrangements, as far as Ireland is concerned, are arrived at?
The Deputy's question is founded on an unrealistic and unacceptable premise and therefore the rest of his question does not arise.
It is not unreasonable as far as the Greeks are concerned to play hard ball when it comes to seeking a reasonable solution in their interests. Would it not be in our interests to play a similarly tough game in trying to ensure that a solution which is reasonable is ultimately arrived at, whether at Hanover or elsewhere?
If there was any possibility of improving matters for our farmers of course we would be very glad to avail of any such opportunity, but the Minister for Agriculture and Food has indicated that the present settlement is the result of very long, hard and arduous and detailed close knit negotiation. On the whole he has expressed himself as satisfied with the arrangement as being the best available at this stage.
May I apologise to Deputy Kennedy for not catching her eye in respect of her desire to intervene in an earlier question.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he will be putting forward the name of an Irish candidate for the Presidency of the EC Commission at the Hanover meeting or if he will be naming the next Irish Commissioner at that meeting?
That is a separate question.
A very separate question.