asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of threatened redundancies in a meat processing factory (details supplied) in County Cork; and the steps he proposes to take to save these jobs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Meat Factory.
1.
I understand that while no redundancies have yet arisen at the factory in question, the proprietors are considering possible rationalisation measures in the light of the current cattle supply situation.
This is, however, the normal seasonal valley period for cattle supplies and it is estimated that total cattle slaughterings for the year may be about the same level as 1974 which, apart from the exceptional level of 1975, was the highest ever and far surpassed those of any previous year.
As regards the general cattle supply situation, I would refer the Deputy to my replies to earlier questions in this regard on 4th November, 1975, and 3rd March, 1976.
Is the Minister aware that 50 to 60 redundancies are threatened in this factory and that the same situation obtains in other factories, particularly in the Kildare area? While I agree with him that this is due to shortage of cattle for slaughter, I would also say that it is due to bad agricultural policy. Can the Minister give us any promise that he will devise some scheme to ensure continuity of supplies so that this will not happen in the future?
This year we have for slaughter cattle up to the level of supplies in 1974, which was second highest on record. Last year was an exceptional year when cows that were kept beyond the normal culling period were disposed of. Disposals through the processing factories are approximately twice what they were three years ago.
The Minister mentioned the cows that were slaughtered in 1975 but he knows that is not the main reason. The main reason for the problem that has arisen was that there was no incentive given to people to keep calves in 1974.
We must proceed by way of question rather than have Deputies make statements.
We have had approximately the same number of in-calf heifers every year in the last five years. The increase in cow numbers was because cows were not culled in anticipation of high EEC prices. In 1972 and 1973 they were kept over but they were disposed of in exceptional numbers last year. We have approximately the same level of breeding stock as we had heretofore and we have approximately the same number of in-calf heifers.
Is the Minister denying that pregnant cows were sold when calves could not be sold in 1974?
That is not in question.
The Minister was asked by people on this side of the House to give something to farmers who kept calves at that time, rather than selling the cows that were in calf. Is it not true that that is the real reason for the scarcity?
Is it not a fact that Members on the Deputy's side are condemning me for letting cows out of the country at a decent price?
It is not fair to bring in something that is not relevant. I am asking the Minister a straightforward question.
I am calling Question No. 2.