asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount of beef sold at a reduced price to recipients of social welfare benefits and to hospitals: and if he will make a statement on the matter.
16.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Prices.
15.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans he has to make meat available at reduced prices, under the EEC scheme, to social welfare recipients; and the date on which the scheme will come into operation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
No decision has yet been taken as to whether this country will participate in the EEC cheap beef scheme and, in the circumstances, I am not in a position to make any statement.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state what are the impediments to this country participating in the scheme?
The matter is under consideration at the moment.
As I understand it, we have to contribute £ for £. We are exporting to other countries at a very cheap rate and the dockers in Cork are blamed for taking certain action to force the Government's hand.
Some contribution may be required, as I understand it.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state how soon consideration of this matter will be completed?
As the House is aware, the scheme was not initiated by the Department of Social Welfare. The Department would administer the scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that in circumstances where social welfare beneficiaries are presently unable to buy meat it is of considerable importance that the Government should make up their minds and decide to introduce the scheme as early as possible?
I am quite satisfied that all factors will be taken into consideration.
In preparing the scheme, will the Parliamentary Secretary take note of those who are unable presently to buy meat? The situation is that where people buy meat they will get a reduction in price but there are circumstances where people are unable to buy it and, therefore, I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to take special note of this aspect.
I am calling Question No. 17.