Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 87: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's position regarding the proposal from the European Commissioner for Trade, Mr Mandelson, to impose tariffs on certain imports from China and Vietnam; his views on whether the outcome will be beneficial to Irish and European consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32037/06]

Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland opposed the proposal by the European Commission for a Council Regulation imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on footwear from China and Vietnam. Ireland was of the view that the imposition of measures was not in the Community interest. In particular Ireland expressed concerns that the action proposed would result in price increases in footwear, particularly in children's shoes. The European Commission and other Member States were fully aware at all stages of consideration of the proposed imposition of anti-dumping duties that the proposed measures were unacceptable to Ireland.

In accordance with the European Union's basic anti-dumping regulations and rules, a proposal of this nature which is submitted to Council is adopted unless a simple majority reject it. At the Council of Ministers on 5th October, Ireland voted against the proposal. In the event, the proposal was adopted by Council in the absence of a simple majority of Member States opposed to the measures proposed by the European Commission.