Brian O'Shea
Question:205 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, he has to protect the rural economy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6194/99]
Written Answers. - Rural Economy.
From the outset of the Agenda 2000 negotiations, I have made it very clear at meetings of the Council of Ministers and in bilateral consultations with my Ministerial colleagues and the Commissioner that the proposals, as presented by the Commission in March 1998, would seriously damage Irish agriculture and the Irish economy and I have indicated in the strongest possible manner my opposition to those proposals.
The compromise proposals presented to the Council of Ministers meeting last week included some improvements on the original proposals but the overall package is still very far removed from what I would consider acceptable. The negotiaitons are due to recommence at a meeting of the Council of ministers on 4 March.