67 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that County Monaghan is self-sufficient in production of chicks for the broiler industry in view of the inherent danger of importing disease. [8297/97]

There are three EU approved poultry processing plants in County Monaghan.

One of these plants processes broilers and I understand that production from that firm's hatchery is more than sufficient to meet its processing requirements.