asked the Minister for Finance if Argentinian meat has been smuggled into this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Smuggling.
26.
I presume that the Deputy's question refers to a recent Press report that foreign meat was smuggled into the State. This matter is under investigation and for that reason I am not at present in a position to disclose further information.
Is it not true that, in spite of all the security that is supposed to be provided in the Border area, any type of goods can pass freely from North to South?
It would be undesirable to assume that any smuggled goods necessarily came across the boundary to which the Deputy refers.
Has the Minister any information available as to the veracity or otherwise of the rumour that a semi-State body were using some of this imported beef?
I am sure the Deputy appreciates that it would be quite inappropriate for a Minister to make any comment in a situation where a person or persons might have prosecutions taken against them. I would be very surprised to think that the situation which the Deputy contemplates could ever have occurred. If it occurred, he can be assured that stern action will be taken against those responsible.
May I take it from the Minister's reply to me that, rather than the speculation in the Press that this meat came from the North, it was a Claudia type operation?
I am sure the Deputy shares with me a desire that any person who might have been involved in the improper importation of meat should be prosecuted. It would obviously be against that interest for me to make any statement which could in any way prejudice the trial of any such people. I cannot allow myself to be led into that situation.