asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he is now prepared to include Waterford Port in the order permitting the export of livestock by direct boats to Glasgow and Birkenhead.
PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTION. - CATTLE RESTRICTIONS IN WATERFORD.
Mr. HOGAN
The decision relative to the landing at British ports of animals shipped at Waterford Port rests with the British Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and not with the Department of Agriculture in An Saorstát. In the view of the Department of Agriculture it would not, however, be reasonable to ask that the Port of Waterford should be so opened until the position has become somewhat clearer. The Deputy may rest assured that as soon as the Department are satisfied that the resumption of stock shipments from Waterford might safely and reasonably be made, representations to that effect will be made to the British Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
I am sure that the Minister has given this matter every consideration, but may I ask whether he is aware that the port of Waterford is over 40 miles from the affected area and that there are two rivers between counties Wexford and Waterford? The counties are not contiguous. I would ask the Minister to bear that in mind and also the fact that there is only one possibility of cattle coming from County Wexford getting into Waterford and that is over the bridge at Waterford.
Mr. HOGAN
I am aware of that. The Department is desirous of having all ports open as soon as possible. That refers to Waterford, and in that connection you might make a request too soon as well as too late.