asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to a report criticising the standard of butchering and presentation of bacon for which this country was carrying out a sales promotion drive in Scotland; and, if so, what action he has taken or proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Standard of Butchering and Presentation of Bacon.
28.
I have seen a press report on this matter.
The butchering and presentation of Irish bacon exports have, in general, been improving but there have from time to time been some cases where the desired standards were not attained. The Pigs and Bacon Commission with the co-operation of my Department, are doing their best to eliminate any cause for complaint and to effect a progressive overall improvement in the presentation of Irish bacon. Among the steps taken has been the employment by the Commission a short time ago of technical and butchering personnel to give advice and instructions on improved standards of butchering and presentation at the factories.
I wonder whether the Minister could say if the low standard of butchering referred to has been traceable to any particular factory or factories?
Does the Deputy mean the bacon referred to in the report?
The alleged low standard—is it traceable to any particular factory?
Yes.