Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021
239. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an impact assessment has been conducted by his Department with respect to the Irish feed industry following the imposition of duties on products listed in EU-US WTO Aircraft Dispute - Regulation 2020/1646; if he will consider introducing supports for the grain and feed sector in this scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6259/21]
View answerI appreciate the impact that recent developments in the ongoing WTO-adjudicated Airbus and Boeing disputes have had on the grain and feed sector. On 9th November 2020, the EU decided to impose tariffs on a range of US exports to the EU, including beet pulp and cane molasses. These tariffs came into effect on 10th November 2020. It should be noted that one of the European Commission's criteria for product selection in this instance is that the EU is not reliant on the US for the supply of these particular products, and that there are alternative sources of supply.
There are no plans at this point to put measures in place to support the industry as a result of the imposition of these tariffs.
Questions regarding the process accompanying Regulation 2020/1646 are a matter for An Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
I, and my officials, stand ready to engage with the sector to discuss its concerns in this matter.
