asked the Minister for Agriculture if there are any outstanding moneys in respect of intervention payments due to the Cork Marts IMP Group with particular reference to the Leixlip plant; the exact amounts, if any, due to (a) IMP Midleton and (b) IMP Leixlip; if he proposes to continue to make intervention payments to these firms while no information is available as to the future of the Leixlip plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cork Marts IMP Group.
93.
There are sums due to the two firms concerned for the purchase and boning of intervention beef. However, they have ceased trading and payment has been deferred pending an examination of the totality of their transactions with my Department. It would not be appropriate to disclose the actual sums withheld which arise from confidential dealings between the firms and my Department. I can say, however, that, in the case of IMP Leixlip, the amount involved is relatively small.