asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that approximately 75 per cent. of the staff and employees of Messrs. Donnelly's bacon factory at Cork Street, Dublin, are being discharged by reason of the shortage of pigs; and if he will state what steps he proposes taking to increase the supply of pigs to keep this factory in production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Factory Employment.
I am aware that the firm mentioned in the Deputy's question, as well as other bacon firms, are working under considerable difficulties owing to a shortage of pigs and have found it necessary to dispense with portion of their staffs.
As to the latter part of the question, steps have been taken to ensure that as many as possible of the pigs available go to bacon factories, including Messrs. Donnelly's factory. The restrictions recently imposed on the number of pigs which may be purchased by pork retailers should increase the supply of pigs marketed in the Dublin area for curing into bacon.
Might I suggest to the Minister that the abolition of the Pigs Marketing Board might be a step in the right direction?
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Government's best gesture for the solution of the pig problem in this country at the present time to reduce the pork butchers' quota? God knows it is small wonder we are where we are.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is it true that a circular has been sent by the Minister's Department to bacon curers in the country increasing their pig quota by 50 per cent., while bacon curers in the South of Ireland have not got what was promised to them by the Pigs and Bacon Commission several months ago?
He wipes out the pigs first; now he is wiping out the pork butchers; he will wipe out the bacon curers finally.
If the Deputy would refrain from making running comments progress would be more rapid.
He is talking to himself and the talk is not very intelligent.