asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of companies involved in investigations regarding alleged irregularities in the meat processing industry; the name and location of each company; if they are controlled by foreign interests; the amount of money involved in each case; the subsidies which have been paid; the amount of such subsidies; the repayment by fine in each case which has been ordered by his Department; the steps he has taken to avoid a repetition of this practice; the period which has been taken in each case to calculate the fines; the method which was used in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Alleged Irregularities in the Meat Processing Industry.
85.
I refer the Deputy to my reply on the whole question of dealing with alleged irregularities, given in the Dáil on 12 April 1989. I refer also to my reply on 26 October in which I indicated that the findings of the investigations of beef, held under the 1988 aids to private storage scheme which has been conducted by my Department and Customs authorities, are being examined in consultation with the Commission of the European Community. Until this process is completed I am unable to give further information.