asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that Messrs Thornbers, exporters of day-old chicks, have closed down with consequent loss of income and employment on hatchery supply farms; and, if so, if there is any prospect of this industry being restarted, or if it is intended to provide any form of compensation for those who have suffered loss because of the Government's refusal to come to the assistance of this industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Day-old Chicks Industry
145.
Some time ago the firm in question announced changes in their poultry production and export business in this country and my Department immediately took up the matter with the firm and consulted representatives of the hatchery supply farms concerned. The firm have recently intimated that they feel special concern and responsibility for their hatchery supply farmers and intend to make proposals to them regarding alternative uses for the supply farm premises. There has been no question of failure by the Government to assist the industry.
Has the Minister nothing at all in mind to assist people who have been out of business as a result?
Nobody is actually out of business at present. The situation is not exactly without hope. Some of the supply farms have already been taken over by other firms. The remainder are in consultation with the firm and my Department is also involved in the discussions, with a view to the evolution of some scheme whereby they could continue to do business, though probably in some different line of production.
What about exports by this firm?
I am not sure of that. I would certainly say there are not many.
There are no exports, whereas last year or the year before, exports were about £250,000.
That would be right.
And that is gone.