asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the proposals, if any, he intends to make to the EEC to ensure that the importation of beef from third countries will be prohibited until all beef produced in EEC countries has been consumed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Beef Imports Ban.
82.
I will, of course, do everything possible with the EEC Commission and Council of Ministers to ensure continuance of the ban on imports of cattle and beef from third countries until the price position for our own producers within the Community has recovered satisfactorily.
If there is a proposal before the Council of Ministers to reintroduce imports from third countries, is the Minister prepared to use his veto?
Such a question should be put down.
That question will be dealt with when it arises. At present the import of cattle and beef to the Community from third countries has been banned since last July——
300,000 tons.
——except for some minor imports under previous arrangements. This ban will come under review next month. It holds until 31st October.
Is the Minister prepared to use his veto——
The Minister is prepared to do everything in his power to ensure that the present position will continue.
The Minister created the crisis himself.
I accept that the Minister helped to bring about the ban on imports from third countries.
The Minister made the cattle crisis.
(Interruptions.)
The Minister was forceful in his assertions that we should not, as far as possible, import into the Community from third countries.
(Interruptions.)
Would Deputies obey the Chair and cease interrupting?
The Minister's efforts have met with success.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary answer Question No. 83?