asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the regulations governing the present kosher meat trade whereby the minimum weight per animal must be 800 lbs. dead weight, are inequitable in so far as the Kerry farmers are concerned as the average dead weight of the Kerry bullock is 500 lbs.; and, if so, whether he will have these regulations cancelled or have the figure reduced to 500 lbs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kosher Meat Scheme.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will cause an investigation to be held into the present system of purchasing cattle under the kosher meat scheme with a view to eliminating unnecessary commissions which decrease the price of cattle unduly to the farmer.
With your permission, a Chinn Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
The Department has contracted with the Dublin Export Canners' Association for the supply of approximately 2,800,000 lbs. of kosher and non-kosher canned stewed steak for shipment to Europe under the Government's scheme for the alleviation of distress. Except for the stipulation that only bullock and heifer beef must be canned to meet the requirements of the Jewish ritual, the Department has laid down no conditions as regards the type of cattle to be used or the system of purchase of the animals by the association. I am not aware of the association's conditions of purchase of the cattle. This is entirely a matter for the association, and I do not, therefore, propose to cause an investigation to be held into the arrangements for purchase.
Is the Minister aware that this association sublet the contract? I submitted a detailed statement on this matter this morning. I am given to understand that this arrangement by the association with the buyers concerned has developed into a racket. That is why I have asked for an investigation. The association put in control of this kosher trade has sublet contracts to certain people.
If the Deputy has submitted a statement that would indicate that any arrangement of this kind has developed or is likely to develop into a racket, it certainly will be investigated.