asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied that the pig industry in this country is in a thriving condition; and what plans he has to improve this important branch of Irish agriculture so as to secure a greater margin of profit for pig producers and those engaged in this important branch of the economy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Industry.
59.
While pig supplies this year are likely to be lower than the record high level of last year, some fluctuations in pig numbers ordinarily take place from year to year but I am satisfied that the industry is basically in a sound condition. Various measures are in operation for improving the breeding and quality of our pig stocks; and very substantial Exchequer assistance is, of course, provided for exports of pigmeat, thereby enabling suitable minimum guaranteed prices to be paid to producers for good quality pigs.
Did the Minister have any consultations with pig producers on this in recent months?
Yes.
And he is keeping in close touch with them?
In talks recently we discussed one particular price, that is, the price of Grade B1 and as a result of these discussions, we increased the price for these pigs considerably.
Is the Minister aware that pig prices are becoming totally uneconomic at the present time, that farmers are getting out of pigs and that 11 years ago pigs fetched £11 a cwt compared with £8 10s to £9 a cwt now?
We increased the price of the three top grades by 10s a cwt last October.
Surely the Minister is aware that 11 or 12 years ago——
I was not here 11 or 12 years ago.
But there was another Fianna Fáil Minister there then.