(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps he has taken to date, and what further steps he intends to take, regarding the control and subsidisation of pig fattening stations.
8.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Fattening Stations.
7.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state his views regarding the erection of pig fattening stations by co-operative creameries; if he approves of the idea; and if he is prepared to give some measure of help.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
As was announced in the Budget Statement, a new scheme of grants is being introduced for the establishment of large-scale pig fattening units. The grant will cover one-third of the approved capital cost and it is intended that priority should be given to proposals for new units in the western counties where special steps are desirable to stimulate pig production. For the success of these large-scale units, there should be an adequate level of local investment so as to ensure sufficient local interest in efficient management and also sufficient support of the unit and, accordingly, I propose that the minimum local investment should also be one-third of the capital cost.
I consider that side by side with the main development of pig fattening by individual producers, for whom increased piggery grants are also to be provided, there is scope for the development of fattening by large-scale units established by co-operative creameries or other groups of farmers.
It seems to me that control of the operations of co-operative pig fattening units can best be left to the members of the co-operative societies concerned and I would not envisage detailed State control over fattening units. Where, however, a grant is being sought in respect of a proposed new unit, an adequate level of local investment will as I have stated be required.
Does the Minister intend in connection with the promotion of the pig fattening units to ask them on the occasion of the promotion to provide a service for selling to those associated with them sows of suitable breeding and quality so that the supply of bonhams sold to the big fattening units will reach a certain standard?
That is a feature to which we are and have been giving some consideration. I would hesitate to be dogmatic as to the criteria which must apply because cases might differ. We will look at the merits of the cases individually as they arise. It may well be that what the Deputy suggested could be incorporated with great advantage, but I should not like to tie ourselves to insisting upon it at the outset.