Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 3

Written Answers. - Deer Farming.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

125 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the serious losses incurred by many deer farmers in different parts of the country through the purchase of deer from a company (details supplied) at grossly inflated prices and the failure of that company to repurchase the deer or their progeny as agreed by them; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the deer concerned were not Hungarian pure-bred, as alleged by the company, but were in fact British culls; the way, if any, in which the farmers concerned will be compensated for the losses sustained; whether his Department or Bord Bia will make arrangements for the purchase of deer in this country for the venison market here and abroad in order to avoid a situation where the market is dominated by one firm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20073/97]

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

149 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a company (details supplied) in County Cork was awarded grant aid through the operational programme for rural development; if so, the amount awarded and the dates of award; whether this company has received FEOGA funding or producer group funding; if so, the amount received in this regard; and if his Department has satisfied itself with the manner in which this company is run in view of the very substantial losses suffered by farmers dealing with it. [20281/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 125 and 149 together.

The matters referred to by the Deputy relate to a commercial transaction entered into by the parties concerned in which it would not be appropriate for my Department to become involved. The role of my Department in this matter was to ensure that the importer of the deer complied with relevant animal health controls. An Bord Bia is involved in generic promotion of venison on the home market and is working with the industry to develop marketing experience for the export trade. However it would not be appropriate for my Department or An Bord Bia to become involved in the purchase of deer for the venison market.

As regards the award of grant aid, the company referred to did not receive FEOGA funding or aid under the producer group scheme. However, a technical assistance grant of £3,893.18 was provided to the company under Leader 1 in May 1994 to investigate the feasibility of establishing a visitors' centre. Payments of £4,000 and £8,000 were made to a principal in the company in question in April 1992, for the purchase of stock and fences following an application by that person for aid under the operational programme for agriculture and rural development 1989-93.