Vol. 457 No. 2
114 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has received from the Irish Fair Trade Network concerning a specific allocation for traded bananas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15260/95]
117 Mr. Gallagher (Laoighis-Offaly) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the recent proposal made to EU Agriculture Commissioner, Mr. Fischler, to introduce a quota allocation for fair trade bananas into EU banana trade policy; if Ireland will support this proposal in the interests of supporting disadvantaged banana farmers in the south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15159/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 117 together.
"Fair trade bananas" is the title given to bananas which have been produced with proper regard to the environment and acceptable ecological practices.
I have received proposals from the Irish Fair Trade Network concerning a specific allocation for fair-traded bananas. While I have no objection to the allocation of a percentage of the EU banana quota to fair-traded bananas, the position is that there is no clear evidence that there is a substantial market for this product which would trade at a considerably enhanced price. I also understand that there is no network in place at present which would enable the production of such bananas to be controlled and monitored.
