Vol. 397 No. 9
141 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action he has taken to date to advance Ireland's "Green" Presidency of the EC Council, as promised by the Taoiseach in January 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As I indicated at the beginning of Ireland's Presidency of the EC Council, my first priority as President of the Council of Agriculture Ministers was to secure agreement on agricultural prices for 1990-91. I am hopeful that the meeting of Agriculture Ministers commencing in Brussels today will result in a successful outcome of the prices negotiations.
This year's prices proposals have in themselves a significant environmental flavour with measures for rural development proposed in many sectors. These measures will contribute in a meaningful way to maintaining the rural environment.
Conclusion of the prices negotiations will be followed by Council considering several environmental or "green" related proposals. In particular I have in mind measures dealing with organic farming, plant health and animal welfare where much progress has already been achieved at the technical examination level during our Presidency. Commission proposals are awaited on the important subjects of food quality and origin designation while some further rural world proposals are also awaiting presentation to the Council. It is my intention to advance these proposals to the maximum extent in the remaining months of the Irish Presidency.
