asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of poultry meat processing plants in the country; and the number which are up to EEC hygiene and other standards.

At present poultry meat processing plants are only licensed by my Department for export purposes. There are 22 licensed plants of which only some six have engaged in the export trade. At least eight plants would not come up to EEC requirements, which for domestic trade will not apply until 1976.

Would the Minister indicate the steps he is taking with those plants which do not come up to EEC requirements to assist and encourage them to reach those re-requirements as soon as possible and thereby safeguard the jobs of people employed in them?

All known processors have been circularised — they amount to about 60 — summarising the directive that is indicated by Brussels. Of the 19 replies received to date eight firms have said that they intend to export and the other 11 are interested in the home trade only.

Could the Minister tell me why the Fine Gael Party, who supported our entry to the EEC, are now so concerned about the consequences of entry?

Surely the Deputy is not suggesting that I am responsible for the Fine Gael Party?

No.

I am glad to hear it.

I want to know.

Ask me another time. There are some rules of order left, not many.