Vol. 472 No. 4
59 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the progress, if any, he has made with a view to introducing an EU Common Organisation of the potato market; if he has tabled the matter for discussion by the Council of Agricultural Ministers during the Irish Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23377/96]
A proposal for a common organisation of the market in potatoes has been on the table since 1992. As no progress had been made towards an agreement, the Irish Presidency introduced a compromise for consideration at its Council of Ministers' meeting on 18 November 1996. Following discussion in the Council it emerged that there was not qualified majority support either for the original or the compromise proposal. It will now be a matter for the incoming Presidency to consider how to progress the matter.
