asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps his Department or the IDA have taken to develop an Irish food processing industry in order to alleviate the prospect of serious unemployment in Irish meat factories in the 1976-77 period due to the high number of cow slaughterings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Processing Industry.
4.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries in reply to a question on 4th November last stated that, while disposals of cattle in 1975 have been unusually high due to the carry-over of large stocks from 1974 and the removal of cows retained beyond the normal culling stage, the overall cattle supply situation is very sound. Accordingly, no serious unemployment in Irish meat processing factories is expected in 1976-77; indeed recent grant approvals by the Industrial Development Authority suggest an increase in employment in the industry in the next few years.
The authority are at present carrying out a detailed study of the beef processing industry in order to promote its rational development. Substantial grant assistance has been made available for the development of the food processing sector generally and further expansion is being actively encouraged.
Is the Minister aware of the position in Clover Meats, particularly in the Limerick factory, where killings of cattle and pigs are only a small fraction of what were the normal average killings up to a year or so ago?
The Deputy is, I think, now entering an area which is more appropriately the responsibility, as I understand it, of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
The question was addressed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce and has been answered by him. I am putting it to him that Clover Meats killings, particularly in Limerick, and I believe in some of their other factories also, are away down on what was the average and there is a likelihood or a strong possibility of pretty heavy redundancies and, in these circumstances, can he or his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, do anything to prevent that situation arising?
In regard to the industrial aspects of that firm, if I get specific information I will certainly investigate it. In regard to the general aspect, since the end of September the amount of grant approved by the IDA is £4.8 million corresponding to a capital expenditure of £14.188 million specifically in this sector of the industry with the anticipated provision of 746 new jobs over the next two years. There may be individual difficulties for particular firms and I will be happy to co-operate in the solution of them if they are brought to my attention.
Are these grants being given to existing firms or to new firms coming along?
All of them are to existing firms.