Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 6

Written Answers. - Payment of Cattle Suppliers.

Helen Keogh

Question:

76 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that beef processors who are potentially liable for EU fines for irregularities within the beef industry do not withhold money from their cattle suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11250/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I have no function in relation to the private contractual arrangements between meat processors and farmers concerning payment for cattle. However, I have no reason to believe that any beef processor intends to withhold money from cattle suppliers.