Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 January 2009
148 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the length of time small businesses will have to wait for payment in relation to the pigmeat recall crisis in cases where all weights and quantities have been verified and stamped; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that small businesses face closure unless the remainder of compensation is paid promptly. [2868/09]
View answerThe agreement concluded with pigmeat processors in December involved making available a facility of €180 million from the public finances to assist processors in funding the recall and destruction of certain pork products from the market and products in storage. The details of the scheme have been published on my Department's website and final payments will be effected without delay once the relevant conditions have been satisfied. Payments of €36 million were made to processors in December. My Department hopes to be in a position to make further payments shortly.
