asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied with the operation of the common agricultural policy with particular reference to the manner in which the beef situation has been handled in Britain, the payment of subsidies to tomato growers in Holland and the recent import restrictions in Italy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Common Agricultural Policy.
42.
While I am generally satisfied with the operation of the common agricultural policy, I would like to see it modified and extended in certain respects.
The specific matters referred to by the Deputy are the subject of temporary derogations and examinations of them by the Commission has not yet been completed in all cases. It is, of course, my aim to ensure that these derogations do not adversely affect Irish agriculture, and for instance, in the case of the derogation granted to the United Kingdom in the beef sector, I ensured that an equivalent offsetting subsidy would be payable out of Community funds on Irish exports of cattle and beef to the UK.
When does the Minister expect to be able to make a statement regarding those proposals?
What proposals?
The Minister said at the end——
I think there is a mix-up there. Question No. 42 is about tomatoes and the Minister was talking about cattle.
I beg the Deputy's Pardon?
Is there a mistake there, I wonder?
No, Question No. 42 is: "To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied with the operation of the common agricultural policy...."
I beg the Minister's pardon.