Vol. 465 No. 8
42 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the trends in the agriculture, food and forestry industries in Ireland; the comparative trends in other EU member states; the areas of surplus identified in these industries; the measures, if any, he has to address this surplus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10520/96]
Data of the kind sought by the Deputy is available in the Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and Forestry published by my Department, latest edition 1995, and in the Agricultural Situation in the European Union, latest edition 1994, published by the European Commission.
The issue of surpluses involves a continual process of review and, where necessary, corrective action by the institutions of the European Union. Irish interests are protected and promoted in the course of this process by ensuring that the European Commission, whose function is to formulate proposals, are made fully aware of Irish concerns and by negotiating appropriate outcomes in the Council of Ministers whose functions it is to decide on Commission proposals.
