asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on reports that Irish beef held in cold storage will be sold at prices below the intervention price level.
44.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Supplies.
43.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any plans to make the surplus beef sold into intervention available to social welfare recipients in this country at the reduced rate.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.
The Irish beef offered into intervention was accepted by my Department as agent for the EEC Commission and the disposal of the beef is primarily a matter for the Commission, whose normal procedure is to invite tenders therefor from time to time as deemed appropriate from traders in the Community countries.
Tenders were recently invited on behalf of the EEC Commission for 1,000 tons of the Irish intervention beef for sale outside the Community. Only one of the four tenders received, which was much the highest, was accepted by the Community, the quantity being 125 tons.
Will the Minister state if any of this beef will be consumed in the EEC countries?
No. It will not be sold or consumed in the EEC countries.
Is there any fear of anything happening, such as happened in the sale of butter to Russia——
That is a separate question. I am calling Question No. 45.