Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 21 Jun 1990

Vol. 400 No. 3

Written Answers. - EC Export Refunds.

Michael Finucane

Ceist:

41 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make representations to the European Commission to have the level of export refunds increased to the 1988 levels to compensate for falling world market prices.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

The levels of export refunds are kept under constant review by the EC Commission in consultation with the various management committees comprising representatives of the member states. The levels of refunds at any particular time are determined by the Commission having regard to a number of factors including world market price levels and movements in the value of the US dollar against the ECU and other EC currencies.

My Department constantly reviews changes in the factors which determine export refund levels. Where appropriate, my views and those of my Department on the level of refunds are conveyed to the Commissioner and his officials. I am satisfied that the Commissioner takes account of all relevant factors in altering the level of export refund in the various sectors.

Of course, refunds were increased in 1990 in a number of sectors as a result of the Green £ changes which we negotiated in this years prices package.