Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - Beef Processing Industry.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

186 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to rationalise the beef processing industry; if such plans have his support; if such plans will be supported by the Exchequer through the payment to factory owners of compensation for closure; if such plans have the approval of the European Commission as state aids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17692/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I support the objective of the beef processing sector to rationalise its own structures and bring about a greater alignment of slaughter capacity with cattle throughput. However, rationalisation is a matter primarily for the industry itself. No Exchequer funds are available to fund such plans.