asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to the statement (details supplied) that the lifting of the sanction on the importation of South American beef into the EEC may be happening gradually; if this is correct; and, if so, the adverse effect it will have on the marketing of Irish beef.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Beef Imports.
23.
Decisions on the relaxation of the ban on imports of beef from third countries are made exclusively by the European Commission. I have strongly opposed the relaxation measures already decided upon by the Commission and I have also emphasised on several occasions in the Council of Ministers that the ban should not be removed until cattle prices in all member states have reached satisfactory levels.
As regards the effects on Irish beef the increasing buoyancy of the Community beef market and the improving conditions for exports of Irish beef as a result of monetary changes are operating to counter the effects of the relaxation measures already taken by the Commission.
Is any effort being made within the EEC to study the consumption as well as the production of beef so that a beef pile will not occur again?
I have argued on many occasions in the Council of Ministers that there should be a special section set up for monitoring marketing prospects and trends so that reliable advice, as far as it is possible to do that, would be available to the various member states on this and other problems.
I thoroughly agree with the Minister but what is being done about it?
There are indications that such a unit will be set up. I think we have the nucleus of a unit; it is very feeble so far, but there are indications that it is going to be strengthened.
I am glad to hear that. I believe they were most stupid in the EEC, concentrating on production and doing nothing about consumption.