asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether he is aware that at the present time fairs are held at all hours of the night and morning, thereby causing inconvenience to buyers and sellers and sometimes injury to stock, and if in the best interests of the live stock trade he would consider the advisability of fixing some definite hour (say 8 a.m.) before which no fairs should commence.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEFINITE HOURS FOR FAIRS.
Mr. HOGAN
I am aware that in some districts fairs are held at very early hours. This matter, amongst others, was fully considered by a Committee of Inquiry into the Marketing of Live Stock in the Free State, appointed by me last year. The Committee recommended that the hours for the commencement of fairs should be fixed. The Department have not at present any general powers to regulate the hours for the holding of fairs; and the powers of local authorities, where they have any, are varying and indefinite. The matter is, however, being considered in conjunction with the Department of Local Government, with a view to possible legislation. Meantime, as there is some divergence of opinion in the matter, the considered views of the Irish Farmers' Union, the Irish Cattle Traders' Association, and similar bodies, have been asked for.