asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether there has been an investigation by the European Commission into the operation of slaughter premiums in Ireland; and, if so, the outcome of it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slaughter Premiums.
9.
As part of a check on the operation of premium arrangements in various member states, Commission officials visited Ireland in March last. Their written observations which arrived this week make only a few minor comments on our arrangements for operating the premium scheme, which of course has now ended.
The operation of the premium arrangements here also came within the scope of a Special Committee of Inquiry which visited Ireland and other member states between October, 1975, and February, 1976. The report of this committee also contains only a few minor references, mainly descriptive, to our implementation of the premium system.
The Minister says the report contained only a few minor references. May I assume that the minor references show they were not at all satisfied?
There was no such dissatisfaction expressed.
They must have been asleep when they were going round investigating.
Could the Minister say if the minor references in the report will be made public?
There is nothing secret about them.
Will they be made public?
Yes.
Will they be circulated to Deputies?
Yes.