Vol. 482 No. 8
24 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether groups have been established in view of his announcement some time ago that he was establishing a number of groups for consolidation and advice on the Government's approach to the Fischler and Santer Agenda 2000 proposals for reform of the CAP; if so, if he will outline the composition of these groups; their terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19463/97]
36 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to inform farmers of the details of Commissioner Fischler's proposals for reform of the agriculture sector when they are published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19457/97]
53 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will convene a forum where all parties interested in the agricultural proposals contained in Agenda 2000 can express their views and contribute to formulating an Irish policy response; and, if so, if he will do so in advance of Commissioner Fischler's visit to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19291/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 36 and 53 together.
As I have already announced, I am setting up four consultative groups, one each for beef, milk, cereals and rural development in order to ensure that a wide range of expertise will be available to me during the negotiations on the Agenda 2000 proposals. The group on milk has been already established and the composition of the groups on beef and cereals and their terms of reference will be finalised very soon. The intention is that the groups will include farmers, processors and others involved in the relevant sectors, including officials of my Department.
A group representative of the dairy sector has been considering broad policy options for the future development of the sector since February 1996. This group will now act as the consultative group on Agenda 2000.
Commissioner Fischler visited Ireland on 30 October, 1997 to discuss the Agenda 2000 proposals with interested parties.
It is my intention to ensure that the farm organisations and other interests will be fully consulted as the negotiations on Agenda 2000 progress.
