Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
92 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding discussions with the United States Department of Agriculture and the US Minister for Agriculture on all agricultural products that may be subjected to tariffs and imposed by the US Government; and if progress was made by the EU-US summit. [20579/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application of tariffs is governed by the World Trade Organisation rules. I assume, therefore, that the Deputy is referring to the ongoing negotiations on the next WTO agreement under the Doha development agenda in which the European Commission negotiates on behalf of the EU on the basis of a mandate agreed by the Council of Ministers. The position is that the negotiations are proceeding in Geneva with a view to reaching agreement on a framework for modalities, or the broad general outline of a new WTO agreement, by the end of July. Negotiations on the details of a new agreement would follow any agreement on the framework and these further negotiations are likely to continue for several months and probably into 2005.
The EU-US declaration on strengthening our economic partnership, which was agreed at the recent EU-US Summit, commits both sides to advancing multilateral trade liberalisation, to strengthening the rules embodied in the WTO Doha development agenda negotiations and to co-operating to reach a successful conclusion to the negotiations as soon as possible. The declaration also committed the EU and US to consider how the existing strong economic ties might be enhanced and agreed that senior officials from the EU and US would be asked to explore means to eliminate trade, regulatory and investment impediments to further economic integration.
I thank the Minister for his reply. This question arose from discussions we had with a congressional delegation in Leinster House last week. Members of the delegation were divided in their views on the Iraq war but were unanimous regarding the new legislation going through Congress imposing tariffs on agricultural products, especially casein and dairy products. It appears there is growing support within the US Congress for the proposal to impose tariffs on agricultural produce. Has the Minister had any discussions with the US Department of Agriculture on this issue? Does he see these tariffs having any effect on Irish agriculture? Does he believe there is a potential threat of an agricultural trade war with the US if support for such legislation gathers momentum within the US House of Representatives and a majority of congressmen approve the legislation?
Irish exports to the United States, half of which are alcohol-based drinks, are valued at €400 million. Is there ongoing review of our marketing of agricultural products in the US? The implementation of the US Bioterrorism Act of 2002 seeks more information, which will involve more paperwork and bureaucracy, from people exporting to the United States. Does the Minister believe this could have ongoing effects on Irish as well as EU exports?
I agree that this is important to Ireland. We have substantial exports, especially of dairy products, to the US which are valued at approximately €400 million. I have periodic contact and negotiations with senior US officials up to secretary of state level regarding those exports. In recent years we have smoothed difficulties that have arisen periodically. Nonetheless, in the overall context, the US is becoming more parochial and nationalistic regarding protecting their own industry.
I am watching that matter very closely, not least because the Irish dairy industry is very broadly based. There is hardly any county or corner of the country without a milk plant or facility, or dairy farmers. In west Cork in particular, in Ballineen, there is an outstanding and sophisticated milk processing plant that exports a substantial part of its output to the United States. I am watching and monitoring this closely, and it is a matter of some anxiety. However, the relations we have built up have stood us in good stead. We have been able to iron out our difficulties up to now, and I hope and expect that to continue.
