asked the Minister for Agriculture the slaughtering capacity of the two existing factories engaged in the horse meat trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Horse Meat Factories.
15.
I am advised that the combined export capacity, which is governed by the present chilling facilities at the two premises, would be about 250 horses per week.
16.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the slaughtering capacity of the proposed new factories which will engage in the production and export of horse meat for human consumption.
17.
asked the Minister for Agriculture what were the commercial interests engaged in the production and distribution of horse flesh with whom discussions were held prior to the formation of a company to engage in the large-scale slaughter of horses and the export of horse meat.
18.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the identity of the commercial interests engaged in the production and distribution of horse flesh with whom the Government had discussions, the name of the company formed to engage in large-scale slaughter of horses, the sources from which such horses will be obtained, and the estimated number of horses which are likely to be slaughtered annually by the Company; whether licences to process and export horse meat have been issued; if so, how many, and the first date they issued; and what the location is of the proposed factory.
19.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if the promoters of the proposed new horse meat factory are nationals or non-nationals.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 16 to 19 together.
The commercial interests who approached my Department in connection with the proposed new horse meat export company were Messrs. G. Wolsey & Co. Ltd., London and an Irish national Mr. J.J. Kenny. I understand that the proposed name of the company is Continental Horse Meat Packers, Ltd., but I cannot say whether the location of the factory premises has yet been finally determined. When the factory is established in accordance with the relevant technical, etc., requirements, it will be statutorily registered for export purposes and only then will the issue of export licences arise. I understand that the proposed factory capacity will be about 200 to 300 horses per week. Horses for the factory will I presume be bought in the ordinary way of trade.
Is the Minister satisfied that the capacity of the existing factories is not sufficient to cater for any likely demand? Is it necessary now to establish a third and larger factory which, on the basis of the figures given by the Minister, would seem to amount to a surplus capacity for the country as a whole?
I think it is necessary and very desirable to bring into this trade a firm with the reputation of Messrs. Wolsey of London. They are the largest handlers of horse flesh in Britain. The importance of a firm of that standing coming into this business should be obvious to everybody.
While the two existing factories may not have the reputation of Messrs. Wolsey, they have been established on the initiative of Irish nationals and with Irish capital. Surely if there were to be these drastic changes in this trade, their interests should have been considered?
The question of measuring capacity for this trade does not arise. Even if we had adequate slaughtering capacity, I should regard this development as very necessary in our circumstances.
Is it not obvious that the effect of this new factory will be to put the two smaller factories out of business?
I do not agree at all.
I wish to know why the Minister made such a sudden decision in this matter and whether he consulted the existing factories before he consulted the commercial interests mentioned in the order which the Minister made today without consulting the existing factories.
There was nothing sudden about the decision I made and announced recently in this regard.
Is this sort of industry to be encouraged in face of a danger of war?