asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that EEC Directive 159 will, if applied to pig producers in the country, effectively stop production in the majority of cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Production.
50.
I cannot accept the suggestion in the Deputy's question.
The rates of aid allowed under the directive for investments by farmers in pig production are the same as for investments in most other farm enterprises.
Whilst there are some special conditions applying to investments in the pig sector, these are designed to ensure that the industry will develop on the basis of viable units while at the same time remaining in the hands of farmers.
The remaining question will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.