asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has made any representations to the United States authorities regarding their threat to ban the importation of certain Irish foodstuffs from 1 January 1989; if he has had any response from the United States; and if he intends to take any further action on the matter.
Written Answers. - US Importation of Irish Foodstuffs.
31.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the dispute with the US in which they are threatening to impose penal import duties on a number of Community products if the EC Directive to ban imports of hormone-treated meat is implemented from 1 January 1989. The products targeted include boneless beef, cooked pigmeat products and certain alcoholic drinks but our exporters will not be unduly affected as we have little trade with the US in the items mentioned.
The European Commission, in consultation with the Council of Ministers, is negotiating with the United States, on behalf of the Community, in this matter. Talks are still continuing and it is hoped that the dispute can be equitably resolved. The Community position is that imports from third countries should not be accorded more favourable treatment than that applying to Community producers.