Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:43 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the special measures, if any, he will implement to assist the hard-pressed pig producers in the Border counties. [26481/99]
Written Answers. - Pigmeat Sector.
Dan Neville
Question:47 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to ensure the survival of the pig farming sector. [26329/99]
Willie Penrose
Question:48 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has received planned slaughter schedules for the coming months from pigmeat processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26448/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:75 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the proposals, if any, he has for the improvement of the pig industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26538/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 47, 48 and 75 together.
The international pigmeat market has been experiencing serious difficulties over the past year or so due to the combination of oversupply of pigs and substantially reduced demand in the traditional import markets of Russia and the Far East. Ireland's pigmeat sector has not been immune from these developments.
In response to the serious effects of this situation on the incomes of Irish producers, I negotiated increased support arrangements at EU level including substantial export refund increases, a generous subsidy for private storage of pigmeat and a major food aid package to Russia, which included 100,000 tonnes of pigmeat. As a result pigmeat prices have increased by nearly 18% since the beginning of 1999. Despite this positive result, the situation is still not satisfactory and there is much more ground to be covered in relation to improving the income levels of producers. In this regard, I have raised the weak market situation at the most recent EU Agriculture Council meeting and, along with a number of other member states requested further market support to be put in place. I am continuing to press the matter at EU level, and I have written to EU Commissioner Fischler regarding the current difficulties in the pigmeat market.
At national level, I had meetings recently with the feed suppliers and the banks to ensure they do all in their power to support producers at this time. I met also with the pigmeat processors to ensure that everything possible was being done in terms of slaughtering schedules and marketing initiatives to lessen the adverse effects of the market weakness on the primary production sector. In terms of processing capacity, I have asked Enterprise Ireland to examine the situation as a matter of urgency and to consider the current structure of the industry.
I met the Irish Pigmeat Processors Association in mid-November to discuss the current weakness in the pigmeat market. At that meeting I emphasised in particular the continuing need for adequate slaughtering facilities during the remainder of the year and into the new year. It was also agreed at the meeting that the processors would do all in their power to ensure producers were facilitated in having their pigs slaughtered as they became available. It was agreed also that the processors would submit slaughter schedules for the period in question to my Department. Most of these have now been received and I understand the remainder are in preparation.
I am satisfied following further contact with the processors and the producers organisation that adequate facilities are being made available and that producers are not being asked to hold back finished pigs.
As regards the situation in the Border counties, it is the case that certain producers in these areas are experiencing financial difficulties and it is clear that further action is required to alleviate their difficulties. I recognise this and have been in contact with the Commission. I have put certain ideas to Commissioner Fischler and these ideas have been the subject of contact at senior level between my Department and the Commission. While there are serious constraints arising from the EU State aids provisions, contact with the Commission is nevertheless ongoing to find acceptable solutions to the problems in this area.