Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 294: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a veto remains an option for the Government when dealing with the current world trade talks and that a veto will remain an option post ratification of the Lisbon treaty; the Government's willingness to use the veto in view of the most recent proposals for agriculture by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21038/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the terms of the current Treaties and of the Lisbon Reform Treaty any WTO deal will require a unanimous decision within the EU Council of Ministers. We will have the same capacity to influence, support, or oppose, as appropriate, any WTO deal under the Lisbon Reform Treaty as we have today. This position has been confirmed by the EU Commission.

The Government's focus in these negotiations is on securing a balanced outcome, which takes account of the particular circumstances and challenges facing our Agri Sector, the opportunities and challenges presented for our goods and services exports and our commitment to developing countries. Our position on these negotiations will be determined by the shape and content of the final package of proposals which emerges.

The Government has repeatedly expressed its concerns in relation to the imbalance in these negotiations. This imbalance has seen agriculture being pushed out front in the negotiations, with Irish and EU agriculture being asked to carry an unacceptable burden.

The Government will continue to use every opportunity to express our concerns in the strongest possible terms and to seek a fair and balanced outcome across all areas of negotiation, which will deliver benefits to the Irish and EU economies. The Government will continue to take a leading role in consolidating support for this position with other like-minded EU Member States so as to ensure that any outcome to these negotiations will not result in our key interests being sacrificed.