Vol. 470 No. 8
25 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the potential for compensation payments to SADC countries as part of the proposed free trade agreement between the EU and South Africa; and the possible terms on which such payments will be made. [20055/96]
The European Union presented its negotiating mandate for an EU-South Africa Trade and Cooperation Agreement to the South African authorities on 29 March. The EU is currently awaiting a formal response to this mandate from South Africa.
In this context, the extent of the impact of the proposed agreement on South Africa's SADC partners cannot be fully assessed.
The question of compensation payments is primarily an internal SADC matter. I understand that it will be discussed by SADC Trade Ministers at their meeting tomorrow in Botswana.
I am sure that the Government of South Africa will take full account of its consultations with its SADC partners when preparing their response to the EU negotiating mandate for the proposed bilateral trade and cooperation agreement.
In light of the foregoing, the question of EU compensation payments to these countries, related to the proposed agreement, does not arise at this time.
