asked the Minister for Agriculture the position in respect of MCAs on pigs coming into this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig MCAs.
12.
As a result of the continued strength of sterling, exporters of pigs from the Six Counties to here benefit from an MCA subsidy. This subsidy is at present equal to 18.2 per cent or in sterling £10.72 per 100 kgs live-weight. The payment of this subsidy is fully in accordance with Community rules. However, I believe that when MCAs continue for a long time at a high rate they have a disruptive effect on trade. It is the Government's policy to support measures for the reduction or elimination of MCAs through adjustments in "green" rates.
There is also reason to believe that pigs are being smuggled from here over the Border to evade the United Kingdom import charge and are later sent back legitimately collecting the export subsidy. My Department are in consultation with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners about this matter and we have notified the EEC Commission of the suspected irregularity.
I am glad the Minister mentioned the question of abuse. This abuse is very widespread at the moment and I wonder if the Minister is aware of it. In certain cases people are crossing the Border as many as five times with the same set of pigs. Has he any plans to stop this type of abuse or at least to put some dye on the pigs to ensure that this cannot happen again?
We have taken many measures in recent weeks in relation to both cattle and pigs and Revenue Commissioners on both sides of the Border, the Garda authorities and agricultural authorities are involved.
That is all right but my information is——
A question, not information, please Deputy.
What steps has the Minister taken to stop the pig traffic?
I told the Deputy exactly what we have been doing in relation to this.
The Minister is talking about irregularities. I am asking what specific steps he has taken to stop these irregularities.
We cannot take any steps to stop the legal import of pigs from the North of Ireland.
Is the Minister aware that in certain cases people go in and out five times with these pigs and collect the MCA's on them?
I am not aware that they can go in and out five times.
That is happening and is well known in the area. Could I ask——
This is a final supplementary and I want a question. please.
I must reply to this. Obviously, the Deputy did not hear my reply.
I did hear the reply.
I said there was reason to believe the pigs are being smuggled in. I have already accepted that and I told the Deputy the measures we have taken in recent weeks to correct that situation.
Is it not possible to dye these pigs as is being done with fish and things dumped into the sea where there is a surplus involved? Is it not possible to dye the pigs when they come through on the first MCA's?
I assume that when they collect MCA's on the first occasion they will have to be going to slaughter premises.
That is wrong. The Minister is misleading the House.
I am sorry. I am not responsible for the Minister's reply. Ceist 13.