Robert Molloy
Ceist:13 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the up-to-date position regarding steps taken to oppose the proposed EC beef intervention limits; and whether these limits will be applied from 1 July 1993.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Intervention Limits.
The Government has decided to challenge before the European Court of Justice the EC Commission regulation imposing a weight limit on beef carcases eligible for intervention. Ireland's case was lodged with the court on 4 June 1993. Since the 380 kg. weight limit is due to come into effect from the first tendering procedure in July, Ireland also applied to the court on 13 June 1993 for an order suspending the operation of this weight limit until such time as the court has given final judgment in the main proceedings. The court's response is awaited.
The Minister will be aware that next Thursday is 1 July. Will he indicate what will happen on Thursday? I am sorry I was not in the Chamber when the question was called. I was attending a meeting of a select committee of the House. That can prove awkward; one cannot be in two places at one time.
Much as I would like to facilitate the Deputy I cannot anticipate what will happen between now and 1 July. I have made inquiries but I am awaiting the court's decision on our application for an injunction against the Commission to prevent it introducing this weight limitation, the first tendering date for which is 16 July.
Has the Minister any statistics on the volume going into intervention and the proportion which would be over the new weight limits?
I am glad to be able to state that for the past ten weeks approximately we have had no tender. However, from the statistics we have gathered approximately 60 per cent of eligible carcases would be regarded as ineligible if the full impact of the weight limitation came into effect.