asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has any proposals to encourage or assist the reopening of the Clover Meats plant in Waterford.

8.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the up to date position concerning the reopening of Clonmel Foods Ltd. outlining the reason for the delay involved; if he will take all possible steps open to him to ensure that in respect of the recruitment of the labour force top priority will be given to the existing highly skilled and experienced employees who have been declared redundant by the closure of this meat processing plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

Issues relating to the reopening of these plants are matters for the receiver of the Clover Group and the various firms which are understood to be interested in purchasing the plants. My Department's functions relate primarily to the health and hygiene aspects and activities at meat plants as well as to the EC support and trading conditions under which the meat industry operates. Every effort continues to be made to ensure that these conditions are as favourable as possible for the industry.

Why is the Minister of State trying to wash his hands of this issue which is a basic one for the Minister for Agriculture and the meat factory in Waterford? Is he aware of the rumours in the Waterford-South Kilkenny area in particular to the effect that the recent purchaser of Clover Meats put down a deposit and does not intend to complete the purchase? The rumour is that the purpose is to ensure that it is never opened so that it will not be a rival to his existing meat companies.

The Minister, in a recent reply to a similar question, said in relation to Clover Meats: "Moves are afoot. I do not want to say too much here in case I cause ripples among the groups in consultation. However, I am encouraged by the nature of the discussions which are taking place. I do not want to raise hopes unduly, but people are working very hard and I have indicated that I will give every assistance towards solving the problem."

Can the Minister of State say when that was? I missed the date of that comment.

That was on 7 May.

The Minister of State said that his Minister said on 7 May that moves were afoot and he was encouraged, etc. by the process. Can he say now if the moves have moved further afoot since 7 May or have they gone backwards?

I have no further information on that.

Is the Minister of State saying that he is not in touch with the situation and is not interested in it?

The Minister himself is in touch with the situation.

Is the Minister of State satisfied that he knows who the person was who made the disastrous decision to close down this perfectly viable meat plant? Has any inquiry been made in that regard?

That is the decision of another Ministry.

Does the Minister of State mean that he has no information and does not intend to find out any?

The receiver is in there at the moment. He is in charge of the operation. I have no function in the matter.

Is the Minister of State washing his hands of it?

No.

That is what he is doing.

(Limerick West): Is the Minister of State aware that we are now moving very close to a monopoly situation in the meat industry? Will he as a matter of urgency ensure that these two plants are re-opened without further delay?

As I said, we cannot become directly involved because it is totally in the hands of a receiver at this stage. As I said in my reply, our function is purely the health and hygiene aspect of meat plants.

(Limerick West): Is the Minister of State further aware that because of lack of involvement by him and by the Minister, Deputy Deasy, in the Department initially, these plants are now closed?

I am not so aware.

(Limerick West): He should be aware.

That is another question.

Can the Minister give any line of optimism to the people in Clonmel and the farmers in the Munster region who are anxious to supply this plant that it will open in 1985, if ever?

I have no more information than the Deputy would have. I hope that good sense will prevail.

In view of the fact that the Minister of State has no up to date information on the situation, could he ask his Minister, Deputy Deasy, to supply the Deputies who asked these questions with the most up to date information with regard to the Clover Meats plant?

In so far as we are entitled to get information, I have no hesitation in supplying any information.

All the Minister of State has done is quote what the Minister said on 7 May, almost a month ago.

The Minister gave a very careful answer on 7 May and I am being equally careful for good reasons——

Has he no more up to date information?

——because I do not want to jeopardise what is happening.