Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Beef Intervention Limits.

Edward Nealon

Question:

170 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the present position regarding the proposed third reduction of intervention weight limits for beef, from the present limit of 360 kg to 340 kg; if he has persuaded the European Commission to abandon this reduction; if not, the steps, if any, he is taking to see that the proposal with its particularly damaging effects to this country will not be proceeded with; and if he will make a statement on the matter outlining in particular the date the Commission is seeking to have the reduction made operative.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

Since intervention weight limits were first proposed by the EU Commission I have continually stated my strong objection to the measure in the Council of Ministers and in bilateral meetings with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. The Government decided to challenge the measure in the European Court of Justice and a case was lodged accordingly with the court on 4 June, 1993. The Government also applied to the Court on 13 June for interim measures whereby the implementation of the weight limit of 380 kg as of July, 1993 would be suspended but the court did not grant the suspension. However, the court decision does not prejudice the outcome of Ireland's substantive case against the Commission Regulation.

The third reduction in the intervention weight limit is due to take effect on 18 July 1994. While intervention has been of much less importance as a market support in recent months because of better and more consistent marketing by the beef industry, reduced beef production in the European Union, the re-opening of certain third country markets which had been closed to Irish beef and increased live exports, I will continue to oppose weight limits.