asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the proposed common policy for sheepmeat being considered may mean a reduction in price for the Irish sheep producer and the reintroduction of a customs duty; and if he will make a full policy statement on this matter, with particular reference to the desirability of ensuring a protected high price regime for Irish producers.

: The Commission's proposal was considered recently by the Council of Ministers and was not acceptable in its present form. It will, of course, be my objective in the course of the further negotiations which are now to take place to secure the maximum benefits for Irish sheep producers.

: Would the Minister agree that the approach of the EEC in relation to the development of a sheepmeat policy is in general to the detriment of sheep producers here in Ireland? Would he state clearly the position in relation to the evalution of a sheepmeat policy?

: Yes, of course it is obvious that if a common agricultural policy for sheepmeat was introduced some of the countries at present will have to accept a lower price for the sheepmeat.

: Including Ireland?

: Including Ireland. This is not acceptable to some of the others, particularly to France, who has expressed her. opposition to this scheme already. This will have to be resolved at a meeting of Agriculture Ministers at a future date.

: Will the Minister give an undertaking to the House that the Government will use a veto on the Council in the event of the sheepmeat policy not being to the favour of the Irish producer?

: The Deputy will realise that I can give no such undertaking to the House, but he can rely fully on the Minister for Agriculture to get the best deal possible for the sheep owners in this country, as he has done under the present arrangements.

: Question Time is ended. I remind the House that, as we are going into recess, written replies will be given to all remaining questions except those requested to be left on the Order Paper for oral replies.