asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a submission (details supplied) from the National Egg Producers Co-operative suggesting methods of curbing egg smuggling and if he intends to take any action on the points made in it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg Smuggling.
13.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, the points raised in the copy of the document furnished by the Deputy would entail detailed regulation of the egg trade in this country, including domestic production, normally a matter outside my area of responsibility. From the viewpoint of controlling egg smuggling for which there is little incentive at the present, I would have reservations about the feasibility and justification of such a comprehensive scheme of regulation as that proposed. However, should egg smuggling become a significant problem, I would have all available courses of action examined fully.
Is the Minister aware that a number of Irish producers are in very serious difficulty and that one of the reasons for it is the alleged high level of smuggling? Would he make a special investigation of this matter to see if some, if not all, of the recommendations are accepted to deal with what I think is generally recognised as an increasingly difficult problem because of the different green rates of payment?
Since the Deputy brought this matter to my attention I am having it examined. I wanted to tell the House that I had not received any direct representations or submissions but I am having the matter looked at now. The fact that I did not receive any direct representations suggests that this matter is not seen by the interests concerned as being as critical as the Deputy feels, but I am having the matter examined.
Is it not the case that a submission on this matter was circulated to all Deputies, including the Minister in his capacity as a Deputy?
That is different from a formal submission.
They all go to the same office.
Did the Minister or his predecessor not meet a deputation of producers about this matter? The Minister for Agriculture certainly did.
I did not.
Any organisation is entitled to think that if they approach one Minister all Ministers will be informed and that they do not have to go to each Minister individually.
I accept what the Deputy says and I am not trying to shelter behind it but in relation to Deputy Bruton's question, I received no submission or deputation. I am having the matter looked at.
It is with the Government——
I am not aware that my Department received any submission either.