Vol. 498 No. 5
102 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that subsidised canned tomatoes from the European Union have caused producers in Africa to be pushed out of the home market with the loss of thousands of jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28153/98]
103 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the current campaign being waged against EU subsidiaries which are seriously affecting the canned fruit trade in South Africa; if he will clarify Ireland's position on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28202/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
I am aware of the concerns regarding the export of EU canned fruit and tomatoes to South Africa. The European Union and South Africa are both members of the World Trade Organisation and as such are bound by its agreements and rules on trade. The EU support regime for canned products 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.
