Vol. 485 No. 4
9 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government is seeking compensation from the British authorities in relation to the prevention of free trade at Holyhead port, Wales by Welsh farmers who have stopped beef destined for the British and French markets from entering Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22011/97]
10 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the contact, if any, he has had with his British counterpart, Dr. Jack Cunningham regarding the continuing blockade of British ports against Irish beef exports; if his attention has been drawn to the threat to Irish jobs arising from the blockade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23325/97]
46 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will take a proactive initiative at EU level on a bilateral level with the United Kingdom to obtain compensation for Irish producers in view of the recent blockade of Irish goods into Wales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22019/97]
127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the results of his efforts at EU level to ensure ready access for Irish beef throughout the Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23587/97]
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 9, 10, 46 and 127 together.
The Government has made strong representations to the British authorities at all levels over the past number of weeks in connection with the disruption to Irish beef exports to the United Kingdom arising from protest action by British farmers.
I met the British Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Dr. Jack Cunningham, on 4 December in London and again in Brussels on 15-16 December. At the meeting of 1 December, I made it clear to Dr. Cunningham that the attempted blockade by British farmers of imports of Irish beef into the United Kingdom was completely unacceptable. I emphasised that the United Kingdom is a traditional market for Irish beef and that there was no question of Irish beef being dumped on that market. I pointed out that Irish beef was entitled to unimpeded access to the British market and I sought assurances that stronger action would be taken by the British authorities to protect Irish hauliers. I was assured by Dr. Cunningham that he found the behaviour of British farmers totally unacceptable and that everything possible would be done to ensure unimpeded access for Irish beef to the United Kingdom.
Similar representations were made by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs last week to the British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary respectively.
I met Dr. Cunningham again earlier this week at the meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels. I reiterated my concerns about the need for Irish beef to secure unhindered access to the United Kingdom and I received firm assurances from Dr. Cunningham on the matter.
I also raised this issue at the meeting of the Agriculture Council itself, where I apprised the Commissioner and the other EU Ministers for Agriculture of developments and, in particular, of the difficulties which the action by the Welsh farmers created for the Irish beef industry.
I am satisfied that the representations made by myself and other members of the Government, including the Taoiseach, have been successful. The British authorities have been taking much tougher action against protesters in the recent past and Irish hauliers are now getting through to their destinations unhindered. In view of this, I do not believe there is any threat to Irish jobs.
