asked the Minister for Agriculture the action he proposes to take in regard to the coefficients for the computation of MCA's which at present operate to the detriment of beef processing in Ireland.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monetary Compensation Awards.
23.
I have already initiated action on the MCA problem in relation to boneless beef which is working to the detriment of our beef processing industry, and in the context of the current Council deliberations on agricultural prices I have made it clear that I want to have this anomaly removed.
Towards this end discussions have taken place between officials of my Department and officials of the Commission on the technicalities involved.
Is the Minister aware that approximately 300 jobs in the meat processing industry are at risk or are not being created because of these anomalies? Is the Minister confident that these anomalies will be resolved in the current price negotiations?
I cannot speak for the present price negotiations, but those anomalies are a matter of concern to us at all times. I am sure every effort will be made to remove them as soon as possible. I cannot say whether they will be removed at the price-fixing meeting.