Vol. 428 No. 1
300 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has received a submission from the Irish Cattle Traders and Stockowners Association on the question of equity for drystock farmers; if so, if he will give his views on the matters raised and the proposals made; and the action, if any, he proposes to take on these matters.
I had a meeting with the association last month at which I was presented with a submission entitled "A Question of Equity for Drystock Farmers". The matters raised, in so far as they relate to my area of responsibility, are being examined by my Department. I should say, however, that many of the matters raised would involve changes in the agreement on Common Agricultural Policy reform reached by the EC Council of Ministers last June and that the reopening of issues agreed as part of such a complex package would have little chance of success at this stage.
