(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture with reference to Question 151 of 28 January 1986 if he will state with regard to the Waterford firm (a) the number of weighing scales in use by the said firm and their functions; and (b) the dates on which each weighing scales was checked in 1983 and 1984 and the results of each check.
Written Answers. - EC Intervention Irregularities.
78.
The information sought at (a) is not available. However, in so far as the purchase and boning of intervention beef were concerned there were a number of scales involved over the range of the Department's control procedures. These procedures provided, inter alia, for daily checks by Department staff on the accuracy of the scales involved and, as indicated in reply to Questions Nos. 85 to 92, inclusive, of 13 February, no other irregularities concerning weights came to notice.
79.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture with reference to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 12 November 1986, if he will state the date or dates on which the elected board of directors of the Waterford firm was notified of the irregularities, as distinct from the management.
In accordance with normal practice, notification was conveyed on 1 December 1983 to the chief executive of the society.
80.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture with reference to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 12 November 1986, if he will give details, including names and dates, in relation to the following (a) if his Department informed or confirmed to any farmer representative the occurrence of irregularities in the Waterford firm; (b) if he or his Department informed or advised the Minister for Finance or the Department of Finance regarding the said irregularities; and (c) if he or his Department advised any financial institution or caused them to be advised of the irregularities.
In relation to (a) I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Questions Nos. 85 to 92 of 13 February 1986. Since no losses to the Exchequer were involved (b) did not arise. Neither did (c) arise.