Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 5

Written Answers. - Snail Breeding.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

88 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if there are any snail breeding operations here; if any processing operations are in existence for snails; if any research has been undertaken by his Department, or if any figures are available to his Department, in relation to the market or potential market for snails; the restrictions which are in force in relation to the live export of snails; the financial assistance available for the carrying out of a feasibility study for a snail rearing enterprise; and the financial assistance available for a snail rearing enterprise. [4285/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Teagasc carried out a study in 1992 into the possibilities of developing snail farming in Ireland. The main findings of the study were that there was little demand for snail meat in Ireland and that virtually all production had to be exported; the international market is competitive; there was no marketing structure for snails and, because of problems with continuity of supply and lack of volume, there was difficulty in establishing organised marketing, processing and distribution structures for snail meat; losses were high and the production period was long in an outdoor system; an indoor system had high labour requirements; there had been a number of attempts to establish successful snail farms but the majority of those that still existed at the time of the study were achieving low returns for their effort and investment.

Under the new scheme of investment aid in alternative enterprises grant aid is available for housing and handling facilities for snails. An investment ceiling of £5,000 applies. A grant rate of 40% will apply to eligible applicants with up to 150 income units, while a 20% grant rate will apply to eligible applicants with more than 150 income units and up to a maximum of 200 income units.