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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1968

Vol. 233 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Production.

17.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the serious decline in pig production particularly in the west of Ireland caused mainly by the high cost of feeding stuffs; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply and supplementary replies to his question on this subject on 1st February and also to my statement on the matter when introducing the Supplementary Estimate for Agriculture on 29th February.

Does the Minister not recall that in very recent times Mayo County Committee of Agriculture passed a resolution drawing his attention to the fact that the pig population of the west of Ireland was seriously declining, with consequent risk of bacon factories having to be closed down? Further, does the Minister not appreciate that Mayo County Committee of Agriculture is mainly made up of members from his own Party, presided over by a member of his own Party and, in view of these facts, does he not take serious cognisance of the fact that the pig population of the west of Ireland is declining and is he not going to do something about it?

I do not quite agree that the pig population is now declining. I do agree that there has been a decline. That decline would appear to have been arrested to some degree by various measures that were taken. According to my earlier replies and supplementary replies, other measures are under consideration and this is the case at the moment in regard to what may be done in future to try to improve the situation in regard to supplies. I would also like to have it on record that the price in March 1968 for grade A Special was 285/- as against the March, 1967, price of 270/- and, while admitting and agreeing that there has been an increase in the price of feeding stuffs, I do assert that the increase in price obtaining today as against this time last year more than makes up for the difference represented by the increase in the cost of pig-feeding.

Did the Minister not say within the last few weeks that he intended to increase the statutory minimum prices even though that increase which he had in contemplation might not raise the price to the current market level obtaining? But no such rise has taken place in the statutory minima, as far as I am aware.

This is still the case— this is still my intention—that the minimum price will be increased, but, as I have already said, it is not likely and, indeed, it is not necessary that it should follow, that whatever increase there is in the minimum price should reflect itself wholly or in part to the benefit of the producer.

But it should reflect the increase in feeding stuffs.

But the price being paid at the moment is greater than the price this time last year by 15/- per cwt which, on calculations related to the increased cost of feeding, is a greater return to the producer than was the price he was getting then at a lower cost of feeding.

The Minister will agree that it is very desirable that the statutory minimum price should be kept in line with the current price for feeding stuffs, and that has not been done.

That is being done.

It is about to be done.

It does not interfere with this.

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