asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of Irish bacon processors who have been approved for grant aid, who are importing Dutch middles to meet their supply requirements; and his views on this situation.
Written Answers. - Grant Aid for Irish Bacon Processors.
85.
In recent years most major bacon processors in Ireland have been approved for grant aid both from national and FEOGA sources. Considerable investment in slaughtering and processing facilities has been taking place within the ambit of the rationalisation and modernisation programme for the pigmeat processing sector.
In 1987, a total of 1,793 tonnes of bacon was imported from the Netherlands. Details of the amounts imported by particular firms or the type of cuts involved are not available. Under EC regulations it is not possible for my Department to prohibit imports except where there is justification on animal health grounds. The Deputy will appreciate that the best guarantee against imports is the creation of a more efficient and modern pigmeat sector capable of competing effectively on both domestic and export markets. This is the basis for the development programme for the industry currently being put in place.