Vol. 464 No. 2
123 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by pig slaughtering plants in the Border region in obtaining supplies due to competition from Northern Ireland plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4559/96]
The position in the pigmeat sector has recently improved. The difficulties experienced by pig slaughtering plants in the Border regions were due to a number of factors especially a shortage of throughput. Pig numbers are now on the increase; the December 1995 CSO livestock survey shows that pig numbers rose from 1.498 million head in December 1994 to 1.542 million head at the end of December 1995. As the months progress, an increased number of pigs are forecast to come through to slaughter stage and supplies will improve, particularly in the latter part of this year.
Another factor was the arrival in Northern Ireland of a major pigmeat processing firm which is paying higher prices for the raw material, and producers of pigs are selling for the highest price. However, prices for pigs in Northern Ireland have fallen. This has restored some balance to the market.
Under the Single Market rules of the EU it is not possible to stop the movement of pigs across the Border. Member states are also precluded from giving any national aid to assist firms in becoming more competitive. The outlook for the industry is good and, as indicated, supplies are expected to become more plentiful in the latter part of the year.
