Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 5

Written Answers. - Agenda 2000.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

106 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his Department's negotiating position on Ireland's butter-fat quota in the Agenda 2000 negotiations in view of the fact that it is considered unrealistically low at the moment. [24604/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I have made very clear to the Commission and to the Agriculture Council of Ministers my objections to the milk proposals contained in Agenda 2000. Among the areas of great concern to me is the proposed allocation of additional quota among member states.

As the negotiations proceed, I will seek to have a more equitable approach to the allocation of any additional quota which becomes available. I will also continue to press in the same context for the establishment of a more realistic butterfat reference level for Ireland.