Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sheep Producers.

Michael Ring

Question:

72 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the steps, if any, he will take to protect Irish sheep farmers from non-EU competition in the forthcoming World Trade Organisation negotiations. [23917/99]

Michael Ring

Question:

73 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the way in which he will address the issue of clear labelling of imported lamb. [23918/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.

I understand the concerns of Irish sheep producers about imports of lamb from third countries. My objectives in the context of the next round of WTO negotiations, which are due to commence later this month, will be to ensure that access to imports from third countries is not increased and that these imports which are permitted are marginal in such a way as to minimise disturbance on the EU market.

Responsibility for monitoring the correct adherence to existing labelling provisions at retail level is a matter for the Office of Consumer Affairs. Compulsory labelling of imports from other EU member states is illegal, and in any event would not be to our advantage given that we export 70% of our lamb production within the Union. The labelling of third country imports is a matter for the EU as a whole and cannot be imposed by individual member states.

Michael Ring

Question:

74 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will remove the specified risk material levy from sheep. [23919/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The removal of the SRM levy is a commercial matter for the industry and, while I would like to see it removed, my Department has no function in the matter.