Vol. 530 No. 5
20 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on job losses emerging in the beef industry as a result of the introduction of the beef slaughter scheme; the action he is taking to prevent these job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4241/01]
I am aware that recent developments in the beef sector have given rise to job losses in the industry. The purchase for destruction scheme which was introduced at EU level as a response to a loss of commercial outlets has, given the nature of the scheme, given rise to job losses in boning and cutting plants. I had a meeting recently with SIPTU on the issue and I have agreed to set up a joint liaison committee of officials of my Department and SIPTU to examine the situation.
The most effective long-term solution to this problem is, of course, to maximise sales on the commercial market. Measures taken at EU level to ensure greater protection for the consumer should help to restore confidence in beef and, thereby, bring about a recovery in the market. Clearly, this process will take some time and, in the meantime, market support measures such as the purchase for destruction scheme will continue to be needed to support the producer prices. Nevertheless, it remains my objective that the maximum amount of beef continues to be sold on the available commercial market outlets.
