asked the Minister for Agriculture the plans, if any, he has, for the development of the pig processing industry in the Cork region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Cork Pig Processing Industry.
139.
The main problem affecting the Irish pig-meat industry at manufacturing level is the need for rationalisation of slaughtering capacity and modernisation of processing facilities. Generous grant aid from the IDA and FEOGA is available to suitable applicants for this purpose. Investment decisions themselves are, however, a matter for the promoters who will, of course, be influenced by the prospective viability of planned investment. In so far as Cork is concerned, there is an already substantial involvement in the pigmeat industry in that region and it is expected that this will continue to be the case.