andMr. Haughey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that the importation of frozen broilers from Northern Ireland is endangering the entire broiler industry in the Republic; and if he will state the steps he proposes to take to protect the industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Broiler Industry.
26.
No evidence has been submitted to my Department which would substaniate the suggestion that imports from Northern Ireland are endangering the entire broiler industry in this country. However, a new element has recently been introduced in that the subsidy granted by the Northern Ireland Ministry of Agriculture to producers of broilers has been substantially increased.
I will be discussing the whole position early next week with the National Poultry Council and I am also giving urgent consideration to raising the question of the increased subsidy with the EEC Commission.
Is the Minister aware that the organisation involved are a multinational group and that they have never made a profit on their agricultural projects? They are jeo-pardising the livelihood of broiler producers and workers in the industry. A submission was made to the Minister that this was contrary to the EEC regulations.
How long ago was this done?
Perhaps a week or so ago.
You cannot get instant results when you have to deal with the EEC in a matter of this kind. I have told the Deputy that I am meeting the National Poultry Council next week and, if we can find sufficient substance, it is my intention to take up the matter directly with the commission.
Should the Minister not go further and put an immediate temporary ban on these imports? It is obvious that they have much better production benefits than our producers. A case could be made for an interim stoppage of these imports. It is not a case of fair trading——
The Deputy should put a brief, relevant question.
We could break the law but if we can avoid doing this and proceed in the normal way we should do it.
Would the Minister agree that there is an obvious case of dumping?
Dumping has to be proved. There must be evidence.
It is too late then.
That is what the Deputy's Government accepted as part of our entry.
Surely the time to take action is when the complaint is made?
Is the Minister not aware that by virtue of the subsidy to producers in the North and because of the increase in this subsidy——
The Deputy does not have to convince me. The fact that I have taken action to sift this thing is evidence that I am active on it.