Vol. 473 No. 5
171 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to restore the pig slaughtering capacity in the Border region to its previous level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1941/97]
The pig slaughtering plants which closed last year in the Border region, did so on the basis of commercial decisions taken by management.
Therefore the question of reopening these plants or establishing new slaughtering facilities is a matter for the operators involved.
I am monitoring the situation very closely and the facilities of my Department and Forbairt are available to any firm wishing to commence operations in the pig sector.
