asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he is aware that the twenty-eight days' detention which Irish cattle have still to undergo in England is causing grave inconvenience to Irish cattle dealers, and serious loss to Irish farmers, and if he will consider the advisability of making representations to the British Department of Agriculture with a view to having the detention period abolished, or at least materially reduced, particularly in view of the fact that this country is absolutely free from foot and mouth disease, and that the disease has practically disappeared in England.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DETENTION OF IRISH CATTLE.
The Department is keeping in close touch with the British Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and will continue to press the matter. It is hoped that a reduction of the detention period may be secured in the early future. The disease position in England is, unfortunately, not so satisfactory as indicated in the question. Between the 3rd January and 30th May, 1925, there were twenty-one outbreaks, and only last week an outbreak was notified, though it was not confirmed.