asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the action he proposes to take to promote the export of beef as primal cuts in vaccum packs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Exports.
3.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply to his question on this subject on 19th May last. Since that time a report on the vac-pack trade in the UK, which was commissioned by CBF, has become available. This report is at present being considered by CBF.
In view of the extra employment to be derived from this method and the resulting increase in value of the meat exports, does the Minister not accept that the vac-pac deserves extra promotion? Also, in view of the high opinion of this method held by an Foras Talúntais as expressed in their issue of September/October, 1976, does he not accept that it would be an error on his Department's part not to promote it actively?
How more active can the Department be than with the pressure they have been putting on the meat processors throughout the last three or four years to do the maximum amount of processing and to give the maximum added value to the product before it leaves the country? I have been criticised by the Opposition for cutting down intervention to 50 per cent and I have been asked to open it up to 100 per cent again. With intervention at 100 per cent we would have no vac-pacs.
Was it brought to the Minister's notice by this article that vac-pac meat can be more than a good idea? I suggest that he read it.
I do not have to read it. I know it is a good idea. Three-quarters of this processing is in farmers' own hands in co-operatives and it is for their benefit and that of the country that it be sold at a maximum added value, but they are simply not doing it and I cannot compel them to do it. I have no power to compel them.