asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the direct input the Irish Government have in the GATT negotiations at present taking place; and, in view of the threat to reduce subsidies on EC agricultural products, if he will arrange that Ireland be represented permanently and at ministerial level rather than at diplomatic level at EC representations to defend our unique position.
Written Answers. - GATT Negotiations.
171.
In accordance with the rules of the Community the European Commission is the competent authority to negotiate in the GATT on behalf of the member states.
When instructions as to their individual concerns in international negotiations are being given by the member states to the Commission the level of attendance is determined by the type of meeting called.
Ireland's position prior to the recent GATT Ministerial Mid-Term Review in Montreal was discussed at both the Agriculture Ministers' Council and the General Affairs Council, on both of which occasions we were, of course, represented at ministerial level.
In the lead up to Montreal it was also discussed by officials at the Article 113 Committee which deals with external commercial relations. This is the main forum below ministerial level. Both the Minister for Agriculture and Food and myself have been acutely aware of the threat to reduce subsidies on EC agricultural products and have all along given appropriate instructions to their officials who have been attending this committee.
Ireland was represented by a Minister together with supporting officials at the Mid-Term Review in Montreal.
The Deputy may be assured that in the ongoing negotiations in GATT the necessary action to safeguard the subsidies on agricultural products, which are of crucial concern, will continue to be pursued with determination at both ministerial and official level, as appropriate.