Vol. 466 No. 4
22 Mr. McCreevy asked the Minister for Finance the implications, from a finance perspective, for Ireland and the EU of the decision by Britain that it will utilise its veto as a result of the continuing ban on the importation of British beef and beef products by the EU. [11611/96]
It is too early to say at this stage what the impact, from a finance perspective, of UK non-co-operation might be for Ireland or the EU. The situation remains very fluid and complex.
What is clear, however, is that every effort must continue to be made to seek an early resolution of the matter. In this connection, I note the recent decision by the Agricultural Council, albeit by a simple majority, to lift the ban on the importation of certain beef products from the UK. This should ease the situation. I am aware also that the Italian Presidency is working very hard to find a solution. I would hope that their efforts prove successful before Ireland assumes the Presidency of the EU.
In the final analysis, it is in the interests of all member states to ensure that the European Union continues to operate in a constructive and effective manner.
I am pleased with certain statements attributed to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry who has put the case very clearly on behalf of Ireland. The Government's position spells out clearly to the UK that this attitude is not helping its cause one bit with friendly countries. If this matter is not resolved before Ireland takes the EC Presidency what measures will be put in place?
I can speak only from direct experience of the recent Ecofin Council where the British Chancellor of the Exchequer objected to the passing of certain items which Britain previously had supported vigorously. He made the observation that he hoped the matter would be resolved quickly and that in due course the items that were being blocked by Britain as a result of the beef ban would appear in some council as "A" items, in other words, agreed in principle and ready to go through on the nod. The view of the British authorities as expressed at that council and expressed by the permanent representative on behalf of the UK in similar vein is that it does not see this matter continuing for a very long period. In those circumstances I cannot tell the Deputy what items may be blocked as a result of the British position during the Irish Presidency.
Some of the British obstructionist tactics used in the past week have been outrageous. The UK blocked a series of measures yesterday which would have strengthened Europe's hand in the fight against international terrorism. A few days ago they blocked an initiative to make 1997 the European Year Against Racism. It is outrageous that such obstructionist activity should be allowed to continue. I ask the Minister for Finance to outline the Irish position at meetings of the Council of Finance Ministers. It must also be pointed out to the UK that it is a mess of its own making. Ireland suffers more as a result of the beef crisis than any other member of the Union because we are the largest exporters of beef throughout the EU. I ask the Minister to take a strong line on behalf of the Government and to spell out clearly to the British that these tactics will not be tolerated and that they will not do their cause any good.
I support the view expressed by the Deputy and I assure him that we will take all the measures which are diplomatically appropriate and effective to achieve the objective he has outlined.
