asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has computed Irish payments to, and the receipts from, the EEC agricultural fund in the event of this country achieving full membership of the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Agricultural Fund.
10.
Ireland's contributions to the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund would depend on (i) the arrangements made during entry negotiations of Ireland and other applicants for membership, (ii) general revision of contributions to the Fund which is to be made by the Community in 1969 and (iii) the volume of Ireland's imports of agricultural products from non-member countries after entry to the Community. Receipts from the Fund by this country would depend on (a) the volume of Ireland's agricultural exports to non-member countries and (b) improvements in regard to agricultural structure, etc. which would be eligible for financial assistance from the Fund.
It seems a reasonable assumption in our circumstances that receipts from the Fund should exceed payments into it, but it would not be practicable at this stage to forecast the actual figures.
On what grounds does the Parliamentary Secretary assume that receipts from the Fund should exceed payments into it?
It must be obvious to the Deputy that we tend to gain more by virtue of the prices appertaining here vis-à-vis EEC countries. Agriculture is one of the industries which should benefit greatly due to beef and milk prices.
Is that not so merely because there is enormous scope for the development of agriculture in this country?
There is scope here.
Because you will not put any money into it.