(Cavan) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he was aware that export licences had been given to meat factories in the northern counties to export offal to Northern Ireland as a result of which a firm in County Cavan (name supplied) are in short supply of raw material and have to lay off a number of well-paid men; and if he will take steps to withdraw the licences mentioned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offal Exports.
84.
It has been the long standing policy of my Department not to restrict the issue of licences for the export of offals from meat export factories, so that meat exporters may be enabled to pay the best possible prices to producers of cattle, sheep and pigs. This policy has not resulted in a shortage of supplies to firms in this country engaged in the processing of offals but it involves such processors in competing for the available supplies.
(Cavan): Has it been drawn to the Minister's attention that due to the export of inedible offal from factories in Monaghan at any rate and possibly in Donegal there is a shortage of raw materials in the factory I have named in my question and as a result about 20 men have been laid off? Is the Minister also aware that a firm called Irish Products Limited in Dublin have closed down due to a shortage of raw material and that about 60 men have been laid off? In the interests of maintaining employment, which is well-paid employment in the factories I have mentioned, it might be advisable to reconsider the question of issuing these licences in respect of inedible offal?
I do not accept the Deputy's contention that there is a shortage of offal in the country generally. In fact, there is an ample supply. Neither do I accept the Deputy's implied suggestion that the price which the primary producer would get for his animals would, by the concession that he seeks, be reduced somewhat. It is a question of competition. There is an adequate supply of offals and people who want them have to pay the going price.
(Cavan): Even at the risk of employment here.