Vol. 360 No. 3
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the high level of imports of Cypriot potatoes onto the Irish market and the grave price distortion this is causing to early Irish potatoes at present; the proposal he has to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
66.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider seeking a derogation for Ireland under the Treaty of Rome whereby Ireland would not have to accept potato imports from Cyprus as there are other similar precedents whereby other member states have got such derogations; and when this matter can be resolved.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 66 together.
A number of factors have been affecting the prices for early Irish potatoes recently. These include the availability of unusually large supplies of good quality potatoes from last year's bumper crop, increased supplies of Irish earlies and imports from a number of countries including Cyprus.
Following the recent decision of the Court of Justice in regard to the import into this country of potatoes which are already in free circulation in another member state my Department have sought authority from the EC Commission to restrict temporarily imports of potatoes originating in third countries. A decision from the Commission is awaited.
