asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the implications for Ireland of the agreement to close further steel mills in Europe being prepared by the EC Commission; the way in which this will affect Irish Steel; and if he supports the Commission's view that output quotas for steel within the EC should be abolished.
Written Answers. - Steel Quotas.
102.
The EC Commission estimates that there is still some 30 million tonnes of surplus steel production capacity in the Community and has indicated its intention of submitting proposals to the Council aimed at bringing about on a voluntary basis reductions in capacity. The proposals are expected to cover all aspects of the problem including incentives to restructure, social and regional measures and the introduction of a revised quota system which will allow the process of rationalisation to take place in an orderly manner.
It is my intention to ensure that the interests of Ireland and Irish Steel Ltd., are safeguarded to the greatest extent possible in whatever proposals may eventually be adopted.