Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

I would like to ask the Minister of State about the issue of imports into the Community from third countries. He has referred to beef imports from South America and lamb imports from New Zealand. I refer specifically to the issue of equivalence, which means the product that comes in should meet the standards foisted on producers in the 27 EU member states. I am speaking in the context of the report on the sugar industry that was compiled by the European Court of Auditors, the function of which is to protect the EU taxpayer. Given that producers throughout the 27 member states are assisted by the EU taxpayer in respect of the supports they receive, could it not be argued that allowing these imports undermines the commitment of the EU taxpayer? Is it time to invoke the assistance of the court of the European Court of Auditors in respect of third country imports that do not meet the equivalent standards and are driving producers, including Irish farmers, out of business?

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