Vol. 410 No. 4
38 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has investigated reports of irregularities; at the Ballybay Meat Plant, contained in media reports (details supplied); and if he will outline the result of this investigation.
45 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline, in respect of Ballybay Meats, County Monaghan, the total value and nature of the securities held and the export refunds held by his Department pending the outcome of the various investigations; if he will further outline the grounds on which the company's export licence was withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 45 together.
While it is the policy of my Department not to disclose or comment on the commercial affairs of individual companies, the guarantees held and export refunds withheld in this case are substantial.
Export approval was withdrawn on 16 January 1991 because the plant had ceased production and was no longer complying with the required conditions.
Investigations into certain matters relating to the Ballybay meat plant have been ongoing for some time. These investigations are being actively pursued by the relevant authorities here, that is, the Customs and Garda in consultation, as appropriate, with the relevant authorities in other countries. Also the Irish authorities are co-operating fully in investigations being carried out in other countries. The complexities of the investigations and their geographical spread have delayed their being brought to a conclusion here or in other countries where investigations are being carried out. In this regard I would appeal to any persons with knowledge or information which might help the investigations to contact the appropriate authorities.
The Commission of the European Communities is kept informed of developments.
