Vol. 482 No. 6
255 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the financial implications, if any, for beef farmers and the Irish beef sector from the Santer Agenda 2000 proposals; and whether he will reject these proposals at EU level. [19145/97]
256 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department has calculated the losses to beef farmers and the Irish beef sector from the Santer Agenda 2000 proposals; and if he will give a breakdown of these calculations and the way in which they are arrived at. [19147/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.
The Agenda 2000 document indicates the proposed EU Commission approach to the reform of the CAP. It is expected that detailed proposals in relation to the various sectors will be put forward early next year.
The financial implications of Agenda 2000 for the Irish beef sector as they stand cannot be fully quantified until these detailed proposals become available. I am fully conscious of the significance of Agenda 2000 for Irish agriculture in general and particularly for the beef sector.
Therefore, I have decided to establish a consultative group, comprising representatives of the various interests involved in the beef sector, to advise me on the most appropriate approach to the Commission's proposals.
However, I have already indicated that I am not satisfied with the Commission's proposals, as they now stand. Among my concerns is the fact that they do not provide full compensation for Irish beef producers.
