Vol. 447 No. 3
18 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position regarding the proposed aid package to assist pig producers; his views on whether there is a necessity for such a package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3632/94]
In April last I announced an aid package for pig producers to help alleviate the difficulties being experienced by them due to oversupply of pigs in the EU. The following measures have been taken in implementation of that package. Teagasc has been given additional staff to launch an enhanced programme of advice for pig producers, money has been provided for CBF to intensify its pigmeat production programme. As a result of EU authorised sales, and sales conducted by the Irish Intervention Agency, some 120,000 tonnes of intervention barley and about 6,700 tonnes of intervention wheat have been disposed of since April. A case has been made by my Department to the EU Commission for the adoption of measures to reduce feed costs in the longer term, a reply to which is awaited.
The EU Commission has requested details about the intensification of the CBF promotion programme as it wishes to satisfy itself that the assistance involved is in compliance with the EU Treaty provisions in relation to state aids. My Department is in correspondence with the Commission on the matter. Clearance is required from the Commission before this measure can proceed.
Pig prices have recovered considerably since last April and feed prices have fallen in recent weeks. Nevertheless, I shall endeavour to secure EU approval for the intensification of pigmeat promotion and measures to reduce feed costs.
