asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the number of job losses, threatened job losses and short-time working in the meat processing industry at Midleton, County Cork, Leixlip, County Kildare, Ballymun, Dublin, Clonee, County Meath, Sallins, County Kildare and elsewhere; and if he has any proposals which will restore jobs in this sector on a sound footing as a matter of urgency.
Written Answers. - Meat Processing Industry.
214.
While no precise figures are available to me I am aware that there has been a significant drop in employment in the meat processing industry as a result of the shortfall in supplies of cattle.
It is a priority aim of the Government to bring about a major expansion in cattle production and in this connection I am seeking special assistance from the EEC. Efforts are also continuing to secure improved EEC refunds for exports of boneless beef to third countries.