Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EC Penalties.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

1 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the number of cases over the past ten years where his Department, acting as the EC intervention agency, have imposed penalties on meat companies; the number of cases each year and the total penalties involved; the number of cases which were investigated by the special unit of the Customs and Excise; the number of prosecutions taken as a result of these investigations; and the number of convictions obtained.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food (Mr. Kirk)

It is not possible in the time available to extract the very detailed information requested. The information will be communicated to the Deputy as soon as possible. The information will include the cases investigated by the investigations branch of Customs and Excise and in respect of which reports have been received by my Department.

The question of criminal proceedings taken and convictions recorded is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr. Deasy

That is a most unsatisfactory answer if it can be called an answer at all. I would have thought that the statistics would have been available. Obviously the Minister of State does not have the information. Have the Department of Agriculture and Food ever had complaints from customers at home or abroad about the quality of beef?

An Ceann Comhairle

This question is essentially statistical. Had it been otherwise, it would have been ruled out of order as being anticipatory of tomorrow's debate in respect of the meat trade. Deputy Deasy will appreciate that fact. Matters of policy cannot be gone into at this stage.

Mr. Deasy

I will not pursue the matter because of the Chair's request, but the Minister of State was about to make some reply.

An Ceann Comhairle

There will be an opportunity tomorrow.