asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he considers the operation of the EEC three-kilogram rule to be an inhibition of processing in Irish meat factories; and the steps he has taken to have it waived.

There has been no change in the position set out in my reply to the Deputy on this matter on 2nd June, 1976.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that the biggest employment content and the best market prices will be got by Cryovac-packed oven ready joints of Irish meats and that because of the operation of the three-kilogram rule prepacked oven ready joints cannot be exported at present? Is he not further aware that that does not operate within the Benelux countries and would he not agree that the same freedom should apply to Irish producers?

I am aware that the Irish representatives have sought on a number of occasions to have the position altered, but so far no change has been secured. It is our intention to continue pursuing this matter.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that nearly four years is rather a long time to be unsuccessfully making the case?

No.

And in the meantime meat factories are shutting in the south of Ireland.

It is a matter that is being actively pursued.

Actively pursued for the last——

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there was a report made quite recently on the Irish meat factories and the potential of the English market, and that it recommended very strongly that our Irish meat processors should adopt the Cryovac packed method of exporting, that there was a ready market for it in England, one that could expand, and that they could get an extra 4p per pound for Irish meat by exporting Cryovac packs?

I doubt if the Deputy's assertions are correct.

He is absolutely correct.

14.