Vol. 407 No. 3
30 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether the Common Agricultural Policy system of farm subsidies no longer operates in a favourable way for this country and should be replaced by a system of direct income supports as recommended by the United Farmers Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Since our accession to membership of the Community the Irish economy has derived substantial benefits from the existing Common Agricultural Policy. FEOGA receipts since 1973 have exceeded IR£10 billion. In addition, the market support mechanisms result in the value of our agricultural exports — by far the greater proportion of our output — being almost double what would otherwise be the case. In the case of consumers, CAP support arrangements have ensured the supply of quality products at price levels which, for many years, have increased at a lesser rate than the general level of inflation.
This policy derives from principles which are laid down in the Treaty of Rome. I am satisfied that our interests are best served by a clear adherence to these principles. While I can accept that the way in which these are implemented could be adjusted in the interests of greater equity and efficiency, the fundamentals of the policy must remain unchanged. The CAP has served this country well and I will be seeking to ensure that it will continue to do so following the forthcoming review. The Commission's proposals for this review are expected to be tabled by the summer.
The formulation of our definitive approach to these proposals must obviously await their formal submission to the Council of Ministers.
