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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Dec 1977

Vol. 302 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Products.

23.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has yet received a reaction to his representations to the EEC Commission in regard to difficulties experienced by Irish meat canners in exporting to the UK market referred to in his reply to Question No. 22 of 20th October, 1977.

Discussions are continuing with the EEC Commission regarding the difficulties being experienced in the UK market by Irish beef canners. I myself had a further discussion on the matter with Commissioner Gundelach on 8th November and he is arranging for urgent consideration of a practical arrangement for relieving the position of the canners.

I should like to ask the Minister what the practical arrangement is and when it is likely to take effect?

I cannot tell the Deputy at present but I would remind him that the simple introduction of an MCA across the board in this product might not be to the advantage of Irish export canners. It would be necessary to confine it more closely than that and I am sure the Deputy will appreciate what I mean. I am thinking particularly in terms of exports to the UK.

The reason I asked the question about the special arrangement was in order to allay fears. Can the Minister give any more information?

Not at present, except to tell the Deputy that I am aware of the implications of the simple introduction of an MCA on this product which would not be to the advantage of Irish canners. The satisfactory settlement of this problem would need to be more confined than the introduction of an MCA right across the board.

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