Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 9

Written Answers. - EC Proposals for Arable Crops.

Michael Ferris

Question:

61 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has brought to the attention of the EC Council of Minister the implications for Irish grain farmers of the Common Agricultural Policy reform proposals for arable crops which involves a reduction of the import price for non-EC cereals from £193 per tonne to £105 per tonne, which conflicts with the principal of Community preference; his views on whether this could lead to (1) barley going into intervention from grain growing areas at £79 per tonne and (2) barley being imported into Northern Ireland at £96 per tonne; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Ferris

Question:

62 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has any plans to remove limitations for Irish farmers in the Common Agricultural Policy legal document for arable crops which bases compensation on lands ploughed in 1989, 1990 or 1991; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread use by farmers in Ireland of the conacre system and the rotation on mixed farms which will be a severe limitation on Irish farming practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Ferris

Question:

63 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has investigated the knock-on effect to the Irish grain market of the small £17 penalty over intervention price for non-EC grain and the consequential effect on deficit cereal areas in southern Italy from the rest of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Ferris

Question:

64 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to link the set-aside compensation to deficiency payments to take account of market price fluctuations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Ferris

Question:

65 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has considered the implications for the deficiency payments scheme for cereals when world market prices fluctuate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 to 65, inclusive, together.

The questions relate to elements of the proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy submitted by the EC Commission to the Council of Agriculture Ministers. I am fully aware of the implications of the proposals for Irish cereal producers.

Discussions at the Council of Agriculture Ministers regarding these proposals are only at a preliminary stage. I have made it very clear that the following are of particular concern: the extent of price reductions and the timescale of implementation; and the maintenance of adequate Community preference.

I am also pursuing a number of other points, including some of a technical nature such as the setting of base years and the position regarding rented land in the context of set-aside arrangements. These and other elements of the proposals will be discussed fully.

It is my intention to ensure that the measures finally agreed will protect the interests of small producers while at the same time ensuring the continued viability of more commercially orientated producers.