Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018
302. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of discussions at EU Council of Agriculture Ministers level regarding increased tariffs placed on agricultural produce in reaction to the US decision to place tariffs on European steel. [29921/18]
View answerAt its meeting on 28 June, the European Council concluded that, in reaction to the United States' decision to impose tariffs on the EU for steel and aluminium products - which it said could not be justified on the grounds of national security - it fully supported the rebalancing measures, the potential safeguard measures to protect the EU market, and the legal proceedings at the WTO, as decided on the initiative of the Commission. It stated that the EU must respond to all actions of a clear protectionist nature, including those calling into question the Common Agriculture Policy.
The Council of Agriculture Ministers receives regular updates from the Commission on international trade matters. My Department will also continue to remain in close contact with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the matter.
