asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give an assurance to Irish onion growers that importation of onions will not take place in 1978.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Onion Imports.
24.
Under EEC rules it is not possible to impose a prohibition on imports of onions from other member states or from third countries which are traditional suppliers and which observe orderly marketing practices in terms of quantity and price. There is however, provision whereby action can be taken against third countries that send abnormal quantities which cause serious disturbance of the market. When such a situation occurred here some months ago I had the procedure invoked in Brussels which resulted in a temporary ban being placed on the import into this country of onions from the country in question.
Is the Minister aware that there is a substantial drop in the amount of onions grown this year, that I raised this matter in the House some months ago and that the Minister did not do his homework on it until the question was raised in the Dáil?
I am not aware that the acreage under onions has dropped this year and I do not accept that the Minister did not do his duty when the matter was raised in the Dáil.
It had to be raised in the Dáil before he moved.
He moved, and that is the important thing.
I do not think he moved in time.
25.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if compensation will be paid to Irish onion growers for 1977 because of the dumping of onions by third countries.
I presume the question relates to a consignment of third country onions which was imported here in December last and caused some disruption of the market. The most effective action possible was taken by invoking a Community procedure under which a total ban was placed on the import into this country of onions from the third country involved. There is no provision for the payment of compensation in this type of situation.
Would it be proper for the Minister to get a compensation fund in Brussels in the case of such an eventuality?
I am informed that there is no such fund available.
Would it not be proper for the Minister to suggest such a fund to the bureaucrats?
There is nothing wrong with a suggestion but the suggestion might not be successful.
If you are not prepared to act on it.
What is the Minister there for?