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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Nov 1972

Vol. 263 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poultry Processing Plants.

38.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the steps now being taken to bring up to standard the 14 or more poultry processing plants which are below EEC hygiene and other standards.

The plants which are already up to standard are adequate to meet export requirements in the foreseeable future. The remaining plants can continue to supply the home market until 1976 when the EEC directive comes into effect for the domestic trade. It is a matter for the industry and for the individual plants concerned to decide in the meantime on adaptation to EEC standards. My Department will provide technical advice and guidance to firms wishing to conform to the new requirements.

Can the Minister state if he has had any applications for assistance from firms who are below standard at the moment in order to bring them up to standard before 1976? I am sure the Minister will appreciate these matters must be planned well in advance.

Approximately 60 processors were informed by circular in September, 1972, of the requirements of the directive and they were asked to submit their intentions. Of the 20 who have so far replied, eight said they intend to export and 12 have said they are interested only in the home trade.

What can they do about modernisation?

They can apply to the IDA for adaptation grants.

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