Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
29 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the reported increase in the amounts of beef and poultry which may be imported into the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24504/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to an exchange of offers made by the European Commission to the Mercosur group of South American countries in the context of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur. The Commission's offer to Mercosur regarding beef and poultry meat is in the form of import quotas for import into the EU at reduced tariff duties. The offer is for import quotas of 100,000 tonnes in the case of beef and 75,000 tonnes in the case of poultry. A deadline of 31 October 2004 has been set for the conclusion of these negotiations. The likelihood is that this deadline will not be met. The Irish position is that the offer for both beef and poultry is excessive.
