asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the progress being made concerning the proposal by the EC Commission to review the intervention system for beef and the effect it would have on beef production in this country.

24.

(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will inform the House as to the latest position on the proposed restructuring of the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take oral Question No. 5 and priority Question No. 24 together. Proposals involving some changes in the Common Agricultural Policy mechanisms have been included in the recent Commission proposals on agricultural prices and ancillary measures for 1986-87. The proposed changes are on the general lines of the Commission's Green Paper of July 1985, its subsequent communication of December 1985 and its memoranda on beef and cereals. While the problems facing the Common Agricultural Policy must be recognised, the proposals on milk, beef and cereals as they stand would present considerable difficulties for Irish agriculture. On beef in particular the proposal to curtain intervention support does not take sufficient account of Irish needs in that sector.

The price and ancillary proposals for 1986-87 were discussed for the first time in the Council of Agriculture Ministers of 24 February. On that occasion I made my objections very clear to the Council. In further Council discussions on the matter, which are expected to extend over several months, it will be my endeavour to obtain the best possible outcome for Irish agriculture.