Vol. 403 No. 4
132 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline criteria for grant aid to pig processors from the IDA in relation to the proportion of produce which was to be exported; if he has satisfied himself that in all cases these conditions have been adhered to; if he proposes to conduct a review of any of the allocations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In order to qualify for IDA aid under the Government's rationalisation and modernisation programme for the pigmeat industry, processors must formally undertake to concentrate on the production of export-oriented products. The levels of exports sales to be achieved are specified but these can vary from case to case, depending on such factors as the levels of exports already achieved. The failure to meet the agreed conditions can result in a company being required to refund all or part of aid granted. The monitoring of the performance of grant recipients and decisions to vary the grant are matters for the IDA. I am satisfied that the IDA are carrying out their responsibility in this regard.
