asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the fact that Bord Bainne has been prosecuted in England in 55 cases involving the sale of butter below the marketed weight, he will ensure that this does not recur since it has a detrimental effect on the good name and on the export of Irish butter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Sale Prosecutions.
71.
I have been informed by An Bord Bainne that the butter concerned had to be held in cold storage for some time after packaging and some weight loss occurred through evaporation during the storage period. An Bord Bainne have now taken steps to ensure against any repetition of the situation which arose in the case mentioned.
I do not think that any purpose would be served by my making a further statement in the matter.
Why was it that when they were defending that case they did not give that evidence but said it was one run of packaging that was under weight?
I do not know why.
Is the Minister not aware that it would have very serious effects on butter exports to England and foreign countries if they were to think we would sell an under-weight product?
I have no evidence to indicate that it has had a serious effect.
Naturally the Minister would not get evidence that it did cause a serious problem but the Minister will probably agree with me when I say that it read very badly for Irish butter in the English Sunday newspapers.
The Deputy must ask a question rather than make statements.
Publishing this sort of thing further does not help anybody.
I doubt if we will get headlines this afternoon.
I hope not.
I ask the Minister to impress on Bord Bainne that this should not happen again.
I have already spoken to them.