WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3012/98 by Doeke EISMA Discrimination against the blind
6. 11. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 320/21 Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (30 October 1998) The Commission is aware of the difficulties faced by Irish farmers due in part to the prevailing poor weather conditions. A number of measures have been taken to advance payments to the Member States. For beef premia, there is an increase from 60 to 80 % of the advance to Member States as well as a change in timing to 16 October 1998 for payment of the advance. For sheep premia, the regulation fixing the second advance of the premium has been adopted in good time allowing the payment to be made to producers from 15 October 1998. In both cases it will be for the Member State to make payments to farmers as soon as possible. In the case of compensatory allowances normal advances to Ireland are available and it will be for the Member State to make payments as soon as possible. (1999/C 320/028) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2986/98 by John Iversen (PSE) to the Commission (8 October 1998) Subject: Unfair allocation of banana import licences In its proposal for a regulation implementing the new organisation of the market in bananas, which is due to enter into force on 1 January 1999, does the Commission intend to continue with the unfair arrangements for allocating banana import licences? Under the current, unfair arrangements, the big multinationals have a monopoly over primary imports which gives them control of virtually the entire banana market, whereas the EU’s own importers receive almost no import licences and so have to buy the bananas off the big American companies at excessive prices. Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (16 November 1998) In accordance with the Council¢s wishes, licences will be allocated on the basis of past activity. Import rights will thus be given to operators who have actually imported bananas during a specified reference period. None the less, the Commission plans to increase considerably the percentage of licences reserved for µnewcomers¢, which should help small operators in particular to enter the market in banana imports. (1999/C 320/029) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3012/98 by Doeke Eisma (ELDR) to the Commission (8 October 1998) Subject: Discrimination against the blind Guide dogs for the blind may not be transported on Eurostar, which makes it difficult for blind people to travel on the train. Does the Commission share my view that this measure discriminates against the blind? Does it conflict with European legislation and/or with European fundamental principles? If so, what steps does the Commission intend to take?