Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her Department's position regarding the abolition of export credit refunds by the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14018/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The framework agreement for the next WTO round which was concluded in Geneva in August 2004 commits member countries to agree detailed rules, including an end date, for the parallel elimination of all forms of export subsides and for the introduction of disciplines on all export measures with equivalent effect. This agreement covers export refunds, export credits, the trade-distorting practices of state trading enterprises and food aid not in conformity with disciplines to be introduced.

I am satisfied this approach should ensure equal competition on the world market for all exporters. The full detailed implementation of the framework agreement is the subject of ongoing negotiations. It is hoped to conclude the negotiations on a new agreement at the WTO ministerial conference in Hong Kong in December 2005.