Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 62: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the assistance offered to Cappoquin chickens following news of its liquidation in early September 2008. [30837/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Michael D O'Connor, Sons & Co Ltd has been liquidated and a new company, Cappoquin Poultry Ltd, has been registered and will continue to process poultry in the former O'Connor's premises. Approximately 120 people will be employed. Following the announcement of the appointment of a liquidator to O'Connor's, a meeting was held on 19 September 2008 in Dungarvan involving Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, LEADER, the County Enterprise Board, Waterford County Council, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Industrial Development Authority for the purpose of arranging for the provision of assistance to the company's employees in locating alternative employment or training.

An official of Enterprise Ireland has met a representative of the new company for the purpose of outlining the types of financial assistance available to poultry processors. Under the Common Agricultural Policy there is no financial intervention in the EU single poultry market other than import duties and export refunds on certain trade with non-EU countries. Veterinary supervision of processing activities at Cappoquin by my Department is continuing.