Bernard Allen
Question:203 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement on the implications of the price proposals and accompanying measures for 1992 and 1993 adopted by the European Commission recently.
Written Answers. - EC Price Proposals.
The Commission's proposals on farm prices and related measures for the 1992-93 marketing year were formally presented to the Council of Ministers on 31 March and were briefly discussed at that meeting. Except for the cereals and beef sectors, the proposals represent a roll over of existing prices and support arrangements for sectors of interest to Ireland. In the cereal sector, the combined effects of the price reduction and the co-responsibility arrangements proposed will reduce producer returns by 6 per cent. In the case of beef, the higher rate of suckler cow premium agreed in 1991 is not being maintained.
In the ongoing negotiations I will be seeking to ensure that current price and support arrangements are safeguarded to the greatest extent possible.