Pádraic McCormack
Question:15 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Irish position in relation to an EC beef quota for Namibia; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Beef Quota for Namibia.
Eric J. Byrne
Question:23 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government intend to reconsider their opposition to Namibia being granted a quota to export 20,000 tonnes of beef annually to the EC, in view of the impact that this could have on the economic development of the new state; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Nora Owen
Question:46 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the current status of negotiations for an EC beef quota for Namibia, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 23 and 46 together.
I should like to take this opportunity to inform the House that negotiations for the accession of Namibia to the Lomé Convention have been concluded and that the instrument of accession will shortly be signed. Under the terms of accession, Namibia will be granted a quota for the import of beef and veal at a reduced rate of levy in accordance with the relevant Protocol. The quota for Namibia has been set at 10,500 tonnes for the first two years, rising to 13,000 tonnes for the following three years.
Having regard to the importance of the issue for the economic development of Namibia, Ireland supported the provision of an appropriate beef quota for Namibia. Consistent with our record of support for Namibian independence, I welcome the agreement that has now been concluded between the Community and that country.