asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the urgency attending the price-related negotiations in the EC and the continuing loss accruing to Irish farmers by the protracted nature of these negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Price Negotiations.
42.
I am well aware of the desirability of concluding negotiations on the prices and related proposals for 1987-88 at the earliest possible date and of the implications of the delay for Irish farmers. The Commission's proposals have already been discussed by the Council of Agriculture Ministers on five occasions, most recently in Luxembourg last week. At the latest meeting, progress was made on a number of issues but because of major difficulties on a few of them it was not possible to reach agreement.
I will continue to do everything I can to ensure a satisfactory outcome to the negotiations at the earliest possible date.