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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 8 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 1

Written Answers. - International Trade.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

214 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the potential damage to the South African canned fruit trade arising from unfair competition from Europe; the proposals, if any, he has made or intends to make to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26805/98]

I am aware of the situation referred to. The European Union and South Africa are members of the World Trade Organisation and as such are bound by its agreements and rules on trade. The EU support regime for canned fruit has been part of EU agricultural policy for many years and is permissible under WTO rules.

The EU and South Africa have been negotiating a trade and co-operation agreement since 1995. The negotiations are being conducted on the EU side by the European Commission in accordance with the negotiating mandate adopted by the Council of Ministers in June 1995 and amended by the Council in March 1996.

I support the conclusion of an agreement between the EU and South Africa in accordance with the Council's negotiating mandate.

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