asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the envisaged number of job losses which will occur in the meat processing industry, consequent on the decline predicted in the national herd.
Written Answers. - Losses in Meat Processing Industry.
103.
I am at present engaged in discussions with the financial institutions, the meat industry, and farming organisations with a view to finalising a scheme to encourage the suckler cow system of production. If agreement can be reached between the parties, this scheme, together with the prospect of improved cattle prices over the next few years, should mean that in the medium term any shortfall in the supply of calves from the dairy herd would be offset by increased calf numbers from suckler cow herds. In addition, the emphasis which the Government have placed on the development of processing and added value in the meat sector should help the employment potential of that sector.