(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture the present position in regard to support for the beef market by way of increased export refunds and aids for private storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Changing the level of export refunds for beef and introducing specific schemes of aids to private storage are matters for the EC Commission.

As regards export refunds I understand that the present view of the Commission is that such an increase would not be justified. However, I have been pressing the Commission to make an increase and will continue to do so at every suitable opportunity.

No aids to private storage schemes for beef are in operation at present, but the Commission has expressed the intention of using this mechanism at appropriate times in the future. In my view, aids to private storage schemes must be carefully planned so as to avoid any adverse impact on sales of livestock when the beef is released.

(Limerick West): When does the Minister expect to have definite news on this? When can we hope to have a clear picture on it?

Before he left to go abroad I asked the Minister that specific question. He expects to know exactly where we are going very soon.

(Limerick West): When the Minister says very soon, is he talking about two or three weeks or months?

Weeks rather than months.

(Limerick West): Has the Minister any special plans to bring pressure on the Commission? What is the Minister's strategy on this?

This strategy is something that we would not be shouting about. We are very much in favour of the position as it is. We are very substantial beneficiaries from export supports. As the Deputy is well aware, we are very substantial net exporters to the Middle East countries. Our total exports to third countries are dependent on maintaining that support.

(Limerick West): In view of the problems which were caused by the recent strike by Department of Agriculture personnel, does the Minister not think that at this stage there are additional grounds for special action?

In regard to storage?

(Limerick West): Yes.

Not really. As a matter of fact the whole question of storage is a sort of two edged sword. One of the problems about having too much storage is that, if too much of that beef was released simultaneously, it could cause very severe problems for the fresh product.