Export Subsidies.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2005

Thursday, 27 January 2005

Questions (33)

Dan Neville

Question:

28 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position regarding the abolition of export credit refunds by the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1805/05]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The framework agreement for the next WTO round commits member countries to agree detailed rules, including an end date, for the parallel elimination of all forms of export subsides and for the introduction of disciplines on all export measures with equivalent effect. This approach should ensure equal competition on the world market for all exporters. The final terms of the new WTO agreement will be considered by the WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong next December.