asked the Taoiseach, in view of the serious threat to Ireland's vital interests and our economy arising from any agreement at the GATT talks and in view of the reported involvement of Chancellor Kohl and President Mitterrand in the discussions, if he will involve himself in the discussion process in Brussels immediately.
Private Notice Question: - GATT Negotiations.
The Deputy can be assured that Ireland's case is being put vigorously and comprehensively by both the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister for Industry and Commerce, who keep the Government and me fully informed of the progress of the negotiations.
Will the Taoiseach agree that Ireland has more to lose than any other State in the European Community as a result of these talks and that with Chancellor Kohl and President Mitterrand meeting today we will be relegated to spectators at these negotiations and deals may be done behind our back? In view of these talks between Chancellor Kohl and President Mitterrand, would the Taoiseach seek a meeting with the heads of Government and travel to Europe, even tonight, to ensure that decisions are not reached which could have far-reaching implications for agriculture and for our whole economy?
The Deputy can be assured that I am in constant communication with both Ministers. The Government and I are informed almost on an hourly basis of the progress of the talks. I have no indication whatsoever that there will be any change in the Community position. The mandate given to the Commission is very clear and very specific. It is our intention to maintain adherence to that mandate. There is no indication that discussions between Chancellor Kohl and President Mitterrand will have any detrimental effect as far as we are concerned or as far as they are concerned.
The position of the German and French Governments is already well known and very clear and I have no reason to believe that it will not be adhered to. These are very difficult negotiations. We have a very great interest in the outcome. I would not agree that we are likely to be more seriously affected than anybody else. The whole world will be affected if the discussions break down. On the other hand, our basic industry — agriculture — could be seriously affected if the negotiations went a certain way.
I assure the Deputy and the House that we are hour by hour in touch with the situation and any further effort that needs to be made on our part will of course be made. Just now I cannot visualise anything more that we could do.
In view of Britain's indifference to the 30 per cent reduction in agricultural subsidies and the obvious weakening in the German and French positions, would the Taoiseach agree that there is now a threat to the 30 per cent barrier? Furthermore, given the disastrous consequences for this country of a breach in that barrier——
I did ask for brevity.
Would the Taoiseach contact immediately both President Mitterrand and Chancellor Kohl——
The Deputy has already put that question. We are having repetition.
——to make known to them our opposition to any such breach?
I am very well informed of the positions of Chancellor Kohl and President Mitterrand and I do not think the Deputy should make any assumptions about their positions or changes in their positions.
We will see.
That disposes of Questions for today.