asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has taken any steps to have the Three-Kilogramme Rule lifted by the EEC as it militates against the export of Irish meat.

At present the Community directive on trade in fresh meat does not extend to most cuts of less than three kilogrammes and so imports of such cuts continue to be subject to national rules. Irish representatives have sought on a number of occasions to have this position altered but so far no change has been secured. It is our intention to continue to pursue the matter.