John Bruton
Ceist:13 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he has any plans to meet with other EC Heads of Government in regard to EC matters in advance of the next EC Summit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EC Heads of Government Meetings.
In accordance with normal practice any such meetings will be announced shortly in advance.
The Deputy can be assured that I personally, as well as the Ministers directly concerned, will avail of every opportunity to advance and defend our interests across the whole spectrum of EC activities, taking full account of the objectives of the Community which we share.
May I ask the Taoiseach to do something which his predecessor was unwilling to do, that is meet with the Heads of Government of the other EC member states in advance of any decision which may be taken on the world trade talks and, in particular, on the Dunkle proposals in regard to agriculture? If those proposals go through the Irish agricultural community will face huge cuts in income with no effective compensation.
I will be making every effort I deem necessary not alone to assist the people involved in the talks and to keep in touch with them but to keep the Irish interests fully alive so that the Commission will be aware of them. The Minister for Agriculture and Food who has a deep knowledge of this issue will ensure that Irish interests are kept fully alive.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the possibility that in order to save the world trade round some arrangements may be reached between President Bush, the Japanese Prime Minister and perhaps the German and British Prime Ministers over the heads of the rest of the European Community? Would he not agree that in order to head off such a proposal, which would have appallingly damaging effects on rural Ireland, it is essential that he should make a point of meeting all EC Heads of Government in advance of any such proposal to ensure that the interests of rural Ireland are protected?
The Deputy seems to be suggesting that the EC negotiating team will be totally sidelined; in other words, that they would totally ignore the EC negotiating structures which are in place. I have no information which suggests anything like that. We will continue to keep a very close eye on Irish interests.
Is the Taoiseach aware that if the Americans get their way it will be illegal for EC member states to pay compensation to farmers under the terms they require?
If the Americans got their way from the very start we all know where we would finish up. We are only too well aware that the Americans have hidden subsidies for agriculture. I did not think we were dealing with questions on agriculture today.
Question No. 14.
Is the Taoiseach interested in protecting the livelihoods of thousands of people throughout the country?
Does the Taoiseach see merit in having a positive approach to EC matters where we would have our own policy position on enlargement of the Community and the further steps to be taken post-Maastricht? In the context of meeting the other Heads of State as suggested by Deputy Bruton, would he consider setting out the Government's views on the future developments of Europe?
I am amazed that the Deputy does not know that. As one who has led the Irish negotiating team on Sructural Funds and been Minister for Finance for three years——
Reacting to Commission proposals.
As I am sure the House is aware, the Department of Finance lead in many areas of negotiation.
They react to Commission proposals.
I am amazed that the Deputy would suggest that I would not have any knowledge of what is taking place in Europe in this regard.
I am not suggesting that.
The Deputy can be assured that I will have whatever meetings are necessary with the Heads of Government and the EC in regard to this matter. Our track record in the negotiations on the Structural Funds——
That was not the question.
——clearly demonstrates that we know how to do our business better than most.
Do we have a policy?
Structural Funds will not save rural Ireland.
Does the Taoiseach intend to have a policy on EC matters other than to look for more money? Do we have a policy in regard to the enlargement of the Community? What is the Government's vision on the future of the EC?
We cannot debate——
If the Deputy puts down a separate question I will be only too delighted to reply to it.
He has no view.
Deputy Bruton for a final question.
May I ask the Taoiseach if he has considered the possibility of meeting the other Heads of Government, including the British Prime Minister, on the attitude of Governments to the Commission proposals on the financing of the Community which were published during the past week and which assume that the MacSharry proposals will be accepted in full in their budgetary provisions? A number of Governments have already indicated their objections to these proposals. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether he supports the Commission proposals in their present form or believes that the financial ceiling should be raised further?
Deputies are entering into a lot of detail worthy of separate questions.
They should be separate questions.
This is the central question.
In general terms we fully support the increase of resources at EC level. I have no doubt this is one of the items I will be discussing with the British Prime Minister when I meet him next week. Suggestions have been made by the Portuguese Presidency of a possible meeting in Lisbon in April-May, in advance of the June Summit, but I do not know whether that meeting will take place.