asked the Minister for Agriculture if, following allegations made to him that eggs are being imported from Northern Ireland at below cost price, he has made any investigations into this matter and if so, if he will indicate the findings of these investigations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg Imports.
43.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
While Northern Ireland poultry and egg producers enjoy lower feed costs than their counterparts in the Republic, these are compensated for by the operation of the MCA system. The MCAs charged on imports of eggs and poultry from Northern Ireland reflect the difference in green £ rates between here and the United Kingdom. The MCAs are regularly reviewed to ensure that trade disparities do not arise as a result of currency fluctuations.
Investigations as to the alleged below-cost selling of imported eggs have not yet been completed.
By whom are the investigations taking place in respect of allegations of sales below cost?
By the Revenue Commissioners.
Would the Minister consider that this might also be a matter for An Coimisiún Dumpála?
We must await the outcome of the investigations by the Revenue Commissioners before that would arise.
What powers have the Revenue Commissioners to inquire as to the costs of production in Northern Ireland? Is the Minister satisfied that they have sufficient competence to deal with the matter, which is more than merely one of revenue?
I am satisfied that on the basis of the investigations they will undertake they will have the authority necessary to give us the information we require.
In the event that the allegations are proven to be correct, what action will the Minister then take?
When that situation arises I will deal with it.
When did the inquiry commence?
I do not have the actual date.
Was it last week, last month, last year?
It has been going on for some months anyway.
Does the Minister not appreciate that there have been complaints from the producers of eggs in the Republic to his Department, to the Department of Industry and Commerce, the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners for upwards of 12 months now and that by the time action is taken as a result of any investigation many of these producers will have gone bankrupt, be out of business, when we will be entirely, or more dependent, on imported eggs than we are at present? Is it not time that the Minister placed some urgency on the completion of investigations and on protecting these people from what is unfair competition?
I hope what the Deputy predicts does not arise or will not occur. I can tell the Deputy that the matter is being treated urgently. I met all of the producers and their association over a month ago.
Would the Minister not agree that it is over 12 months since they made their initial complaints and that in the meantime practically nothing has happened, or no urgent action has been taken?
As soon as these investigations are completed we shall see what can be done.
——or as soon as egg producers have gone out of business whichever comes first.
Question No. 44 has gone for written reply.