asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the steps he is taking to protect the poultry and egg industry from fowl pest and extinction under EEC rules.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poultry Industry.
25.
All essential veterinary precautions, including control on imports of poultry and eggs from infected areas, are taken to protect our poultry and egg industry from fowl pest. Our intra-Community trade in poultry and eggs is governed by our membership of the European Economic Community and everything possible is being done to safeguard the interests of the industry and to strengthen its competitiveness in the context of freer trade.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if he is satisfied that the fowl industry will be safe in the future?
Yes, I can say that. The fowl industry is one that has changed its form completely in recent years, and the indications are that it is not as important an industry as it used be.
I am sure the producers will be glad to hear that.
Is it possible to import poultry from Northern Ireland at present?
No.
That is a separate question.
There was a meeting with the National Poultry Council on 14th October, 1974. The Minister stated that the prohibition on imports from Northern Ireland must now be lifted in accordance with international requirements. In view of the depressed state of the industry which the poultry council claimed obtained here, they asked for an extension to enable them, in consultation with officers of the Department, to examine EEC, Northern Ireland, and Irish legislation to see whether there was any legal means whereby imports from Northern Ireland might continue to be prohibited. The Minister agreed to this extension and we await a decision from this committee, which is examining the question of the legislation, whether we can do so legally. We cannot prevent importation illegally. We are anxious to keep Northern Ireland fowl out if we can do so legally.
How long will it be before the committee make a recommendation?
I expect shortly. This is a legal question.
Is he aware that day-old turkeys are coming across the Border at present?
Deputy Crinion makes a point of ignoring the Chair.
That should not be the position at present.
26.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will give details of the sales of broiler and layer fowl on the home market in June in 1973 and in 1974.
The numbers of day-old chicks of broiler and layer strains sold by licensed hatcheries on the home market in June, 1973 and in 1974 were:
|
June 1974 |
June 1973 |
|
|
Broiler Chicks |
1,797,500 |
2,137,700 |
|
Layer Chicks |
180,300 |
216,300 |
I take it that the industry is on the decline?
Yes, the figures show that there is a decline, but there is no question of the industry phasing itself out.
In view of the recent changes in EEC regulations governing the dressing of poultry, does the Parliamentary Secretary expect a further drop in the consumption of home-produced chickens?
This question deals with the sale of broiler and layer fowl on the home market.
I did not hear the reply.
The question deals with the home market and not the export market.
I was asking the Parliamentary Secretary did he anticipate a drop——
If the Deputy puts down a question it will be answered next week.
I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary now.