Vol. 496 No. 5
96 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will introduce a special aid package similar to that introduced by the French Government in view of the serious difficulties facing the pigmeat sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23323/98]
97 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures, if any, he proposes to introduce to assist the pigmeat sector in view of the serious difficulties this sector has suffered for a considerable length of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23324/98]
98 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that there is adequate slaughtering capacity in the Border region and north midlands area in view of the serious difficulties that face pig producers, particularly since the fire at the Lovell and Christmas Plant in Ballymoney in June 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23325/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 97 and 98 together.
I have taken a number of initiatives at both national an EU level aimed at alleviating the situation for Irish pig producers. Any action in relation to the pigmeat sector must, of course, be compatible with the common organisation of the market for pigmeat under CAP and with EU law.
On three occasions in the past five months I have secured increased export refunds from the EU Commission, the most recent one being 33.33 per cent, effective from 15 October.
I also succeeded in gaining agreement from the Commission for the introduction of an EU funded storage scheme which provides for the storage of up to 70,000 tonnes of pigmeat destined for export to third countries for up to six months prior to shipment. On export the meat will also benefit from the payment of an export refund.
At the request of Ireland and a number of other member states the Commission agreed to consider further action aimed at improving the situation for pig producers. Among the ideas under consideration are improvements to the private storage scheme to make it more attractive to Irish processors, a special export refund for the Russian market and also certain supply control measures.
As regards slaughtering capacity, the fire at a pigmeat plant in Northern Ireland caused a backlog of pigs awaiting slaughter in the Border region. To deal with the problem arrangements were put in place which has resulted in an increase of between 5,000 to 8,000 pigs per week being slaughtered at EU approved premises. In addition, the McCarren plant in County Cavan has reopened recently and is slaughtering pigs. This plant has the capacity to slaughter up to 6,000 pigs per week, and will undoubtedly go a long way in eliminating the slaughtering backlog in the Border region.
Bord Bia launched a promotion campaign earlier in the year aimed at increasing pigmeat consumption by encouraging the sales of pigmeat on the domestic market.
I will continue to monitor the situation and with the support of other colleagues in the Council of Ministers to press the Commission to take whatever action is required.
