Michael Ahern
Ceist:12 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the conversations, if any, he has had with President Santer regarding the reduction of Ireland's EU fine relating to the beef industry. [2973/96]
Written Answers. - Beef Industry Fine.
Mary Harney
Ceist:38 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the content and outcome of recent discussions in Brussels and correspondence with the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jacques Santer, on the question of the fines and disallowances amounting to a total of £109.925 million proposed to be imposed on Ireland for breaches of and the non-implementation of various regulations relating to intervention beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3148/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 38 together.
I have not had personal discussions with the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jacques Santer on the question of the proposed disallowances. I have raised the matter with my opposite number, Commissioner Fischler.
The Taoiseach has, however, had contacts with President Santer to explain the Irish view that the disallowances proposed are disproportionately high. There have been subsequent ongoing contacts between Irish and Commission officials to exchange views and consider the matters further. The issues will shortly be considered by the Commission itself.