Ceist:
69 Proinsias de Rossa asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline his assessment of the prospects for successful conclusion of the GATT talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - GATT Talks.
As the Deputy is aware the GATT talks have been deadlocked for some time. Although agriculture has been highlighted as the main stumbling block there are also other areas where significant work is still to be done such as market access and services where very rigid positions have been adopted by the US and others.
Nevertheless the major contracting parties including the EC and the US have continued to emphasise their commitment to the satisfactory completion of the Uruguay Round and to underline its importance to the future expansion of world trade. The conclusions of the recent European Council reaffirmed the EC's commitment to a swift conclusion to the Uruguay Round and called on all partners to show flexibility.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware attempts made at the G7 Economic Summit, in the last couple of days, to achieve a breakthrough in negotiations have not succeeded. However it is likely that discussions will continue in the matter. In my view if progress is to be made the US must reciprocate the significant steps taken by the Community on Common Agricultural Policy reform.
I am hopeful that the Round will be concluded satisfactorily but it is not possible to make any accurate prediction at this stage regarding the timing. Obviously the US Presidential election will have a major impact on the progress of the negotiations and on the ability of the US to come forward with an overall acceptable package in the near future.
Ireland attaches great importance to a successful and balanced outcome to the negotiations and will continue within the Community to make every effort to see that such an outcome is achieved.