asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state, in view of the proposals issued in December, 1968 by the Commission of the EEC regarding major structural reforms in agricultural production and marketing, if any steps are being taken by the Government to ensure that the interests of farmers here are protected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Agricultural Proposals.
11.
Comprehensive recommendations on the reform of the structure of agriculture in the member States of the EEC were included in a memorandum submitted last December by the European Commission to the EEC Council of Ministers. It is intended that in the light of the views expressed on these by the member States and by interested authorities and organisations in the Community, the Commission will in due course formulate definitive proposals for submission to the Council. At its meeting on 28th January the Council of Ministers agreed on a procedure for having the recommendations examined by the Community's institutions. This examination is likely to take some time and it is not possible at this stage to say what measures may ultimately be proposed by the Commission for consideration by the Council. My Department is keeping a close watch on developments in so far as they may affect Irish interests.