asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider some form of grant aid to poultry and egg producers to restore confidence in the industry with a view to producing sufficient quantities for the home market and to provide much needed jobs.
7.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poultry Industry.
6.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the serious plight of the poultry industry; and the steps he proposes to take to rectify the situation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
As in the case of other agricultural products the rules of the European Community prohibit the grant of national aids to poultry and egg production. Indeed, the introduction of such aids could be detrimental to our long-term interests since it could encourage other member states to take similar action and thus inevitably lead to marketing problems.
In recent months the Community market for poultry and eggs has been undergoing some difficulty mainly because of over supply. I accordingly raised the matter at the July Council meeting with particular reference to the situation of Irish producers. I sought and received an undertaking from the Commission to examine the matter urgently. I understand that in the meantime the Commission has been having discussions with the trade interests involved with a view to taking measures to strengthen the market.
A formal complaint was lodged by Ireland about the alleged below-cost selling of eggs imported from Northern Ireland and the Commission is investigating the compatibility of this practice with the Treaty of Rome.
What measures are the Commission considering? When was the complaint about below-cost selling lodged? When does the Minister expect an outcome from that complaint?
An official complaint was lodged on 25 June 1980. The Commission have discussed with trade interests the formation of a European Joint Trade Organisation for eggs and poultry and meat and they have an examination going on about this below-cost selling of eggs and poultry from Northern Ireland in the context of the Treaty of Rome. In July also I drew attention to the fact that a feed price allowance was being paid in Northern Ireland at that time and it was discontinued immediately after that. Whatever measure I can take, realising the difficulties that can exist in the poultry and egg industry, I will take, and I will be looking for the support of the Commission in that area.
Has the Minister any evidence which would suggest that the below-cost selling complained of in June is continuing?
To some extent, it probably still is.
Is the Minister satisfied with the pace at which the Commission is considering this matter? Would he not agree that, in view of the seriousness of it and the number of livelihoods involved, a matter complained of in June should have been dealt with by now?
I agree with the Deputy. I am not satisfied and we will pursue the matter at every opportunity.
Is it not a fact that there is total over-capacity in the North and that to get rid of their production they have to virtually flood the South with their eggs?
I would not say it is only that. The British market itself has come under extreme competition from France and the Netherlands and that has stopped exports from Northern Ireland to the UK market and increased exports to the South.