John Perry
Question:145 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the priorities he has for Irish and European agriculture during the forthcoming Irish EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25467/03]
Written Answers. - EU Presidency.
The programme of work on agriculture during the Irish Presidency will depend on the extent to which the current Italian Presidency concludes items already before the Council and on the presentation of new proposals to the Council by the Commission. At this stage the main items likely to arise during the Irish Presidency are: reforms of the Common Market organisations for sugar, cotton, olive oil, tobacco and hops; an ongoing review of developments in the negotiation of the current WTO round of trade negotiations; a number of legislative proposals in relation to food safety arising from the Commission's White Paper on Food Safety; the identification and registration of sheep and goats; a legislative proposal in relation to the transport of animals; and an action plan for organic farming. Developments in the current WTO round of trade negotiations will also be kept under review. I am committed to ensuring Ireland will run an effective and successful Presidency.