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Gnáthamharc

Fisheries Protection.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Ceisteanna (66)

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

155 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the response he has received from the European Commission to the joint application made with the UK for new measures to safeguard the salmon farming industry from recent surges of cheap imports of farmed salmon from non-EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5821/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issue of the joint Ireland-UK application for an investigation into the circumstances leading to the current situation on the EU salmon market, and the possibility of opening safeguard measures, was discussed in the meeting of the European Commission's safeguards committee on 12 February 2004. At that meeting the Commission gave a preliminary view on the conditions required for launching an investigation but further comprehensive consideration including seeking the detailed views of other member states is necessary.

The deadline for submission of those views was Friday last, 20, February 2004. Given the urgency attached to this issue by both Ireland and the UK, I expect the Commission to consider these views and to formally respond to the request shortly. In the meantime, the Commission services have contacted the governments of the third countries who export into the EU market to explore possible alternative solutions to the current situation. Ireland and the UK have both stated that a workable and enforceable solution, arrived at through renewed dialogue, would be preferable to introducing safeguard measures. The matter will be the subject of further discussion at the European Commission's safeguards committee.

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