asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that consignments of refrigerated meat and fish are arriving in this country from Denmark; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the market for Irish suppliers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Imports.
20.
The import of meat from Denmark for consumption in this country is not permitted in any circumstances. Neither is the import of fish allowed except at times when Irish supplies are not adequate to cater for demand. These measures are sufficient to safeguard the market for Irish suppliers.
Some foreign cargo ships calling at Irish ports have occasionally revictualled with small supplies of meat and fish from Denmark. These supplies are strictly for consumption on board ship by the crew and any passengers, and there is no possibility of any of the food coming on the Irish market.
Is the Minister aware that within the past six months at least 120 tons of beef, mutton, pork and fish have arrived in this country from Denmark supplying tankers at the oil refinery in Whitegate and at Whiddy Island in Bantry? Would the Minister consider that a small amount?
I am not aware of the exact amount of ships' victuals that have been so imported but, as I said in my reply, I am aware that none of these ships' supplies comes on the Irish market and, of course, Irish firms are in a position to tender for the revictualing of ships, just as any other firm is.
What the Minister says is not true. Irish firms are not in a position to tender for these supplies and, in fact, certain suppliers——
We cannot discuss this matter. The Deputy may not make a speech on it.
I do not intend to. I just want to point out to the Minister——
The Deputy will get another opportunity. He cannot point out anything.
May I ask a second supplementary? Is the Minister aware that Irish firms are not allowed to tender for those supplies and that, in fact, orders worth up to £2,000 have been cancelled two days before delivery with subsequent loss to the Irish suppliers?
My information is that Irish firms have ample opportunity to tender for the supply of ships' stores and do, in fact, regularly obtain contracts.