Vol. 499 No. 2
90 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a plant (details supplied) in County Cavan will be designated as the processor of the pigmeat consignment for Russia in view of the fact that the plant has significant spare capacity at present and also in view of the very serious difficulties facing pig producers in the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2371/99]
The EU Commission has put in place a regulation for the supply of the first tranche of pigmeat destined for Russia as food aid. This tranche consists of 30,000 tonnes of the total quantity of 100,000 tonnes of pigmeat agreed under the Russian aid package.
Under the regulation, the supply of the meat is to be decided by means of a tendering system, which is open to operators on a Community-wide basis. It is possible therefore for the firm concerned to submit a bid for any of the 31 lots on offer.
It is understood that the Commission will decide its approach on future quantities on the basis of the tranche now open for supply.
