andMr. Keating asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that, owing to the operation of the Pigs and Bacon Act and regulations made thereunder, many pork butchers have been obliged to go out of business and seek unemployment assistance; and, if so, if he has any funds at his disposal to enable him to make ex-gratia grants in such cases, or if he will introduce proposals for legislation to make provision for the payment of compensation to the persons concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Pork Butchers.
I am not aware that many pork butchers have been obliged to go out of business owing to the operation of the Pigs and Bacon Acts. In fact, 104 persons or firms have already been registered under the Acts as pork butchers. A pork butcher who does not cure bacon is not obliged to register under the Acts.
I have no funds at my disposal for making ex-gratia payments and I do not think the payment of compensation would be justified.
I can give the names of several butchers who had to go out of the trade in the Minister's own county.
They are not compelled to go out under the Act.
The Minister is well aware that the provision in the Act, in prohibiting a pork butcher from converting his surplus pork into salt bacon was bound to smash certain butchers and he did that with his eyes open.
Not a genuine pork butcher.
The Minister will remember that that matter was discussed in Committee and it was agreed that after two years they would be no longer permitted to convert surplus pork into bacon so that these men would have to get out of being pork butchers. He did that with his eyes open.
I am waiting for the Deputy's question.
Does not the Minister know that that is true?
I maintain that genuine pork butchers have remained in business as they are allowed to convert 15 per cent. of their killings into bacon. Unless a person is as much a bacon curer as a pork butcher he can continue with his business.
What is the difference between a genuine and a non-genuine pork butcher?
The genuine were the ones I have allowed in and the non-genuine are the ones outside.