Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 4

Written Answers. - Agenda 2000.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

19 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which he will respond to the Agenda 2000 proposals; the changes, if any, he foresees in departmental policy with the objective of addressing negative aspects of those proposals from an Irish viewpoint; his views on the need for a comprehensive review of the agricultural sector in its entirety with the intention of taking the necessary steps to ensure the continued expansion of the agri-industry with a view to the maximisation of employment opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23214/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The Commission's Agenda 2000 proposals were published in July 1997. Since then the agricultural aspects have been considered at each meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers and by the European Council at its meeting in Luxembourg on 12-13 December. The Commission is expected to table its detailed proposals in the first quarter of 1998 in the light of the outcome of these deliberations. The full implications for Ireland's agriculture sector and any consequences for my Department's policies will not become clear until these detailed proposals emerge. These proposals will be carefully examined by my Department. In addition, the four consultative groups consisting of farmers, processors and others, which I decided to set up for the beef, milk, cereals and rural development areas will help ensure that the widest range of expertise will be available to me during the ongoing negotiations.

I assure the Deputy that I and other members of the Government will continue to work throughout these negotiations for an outcome that not only will involve no loss or disadvantage for the Irish agriculture and food sectors, but will provide a policy framework within which these sectors will realise their full potential for wealth and employment creation in the future. Any detailed plan for the development of these sectors can usefully be prepared only when the outcome of the negotiations is known.