Vol. 491 No. 2
111 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the European Community is entitled to claw back suckler and other quotas which are available in view of the fact that farmers have worked hard to build up these quotas; his views on this issue; the plans, if any, he has to change this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11582/98]
The Commission's proposals for reform of the beef regime under Agenda 2000 provide as part of a wider package for the introduction of a regional ceiling on suckler cow quotas and for the extension of the lower national special beef premium quota which was adopted in the context of the October 1996 reform of the beef regime. There is no legal impediment to the adoption of these proposals provided that they are supported by a qualified majority in the Agriculture Council. These proposals are designed to reduce beef production in the EU in order to rebalance the market following the fall in beef consumption as a result of the BSE scare in 1996. However, it is not necessary to reduce beef production through action on the premium quotas in a situation where it is also proposed to reduce beef prices by 30 per cent.
I have already expressed my objections to the Commission proposals in the Agriculture Council, and as the negotiations proceed will continue to press for an overall conclusion that is more acceptable to Irish producers.
