asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of cattle, sheep and pigs passed by the Department's veterinary inspectors for export from each of the lairages at the North Wall during the year ended 31st December, 1929; also the number that failed to pass the veterinary test (a) because of disease; (b) because of injuries sustained at the lairages owing to overcrowding; and the particular lairages reported by the inspectors for overcrowding and the dates of such reports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Livestock Exports from Dublin.
The numbers of cattle, sheep and swine passed by the Department's veterinary inspectors for export from Dublin Port during the year 1929 were:—
|
Cattle |
399,458 |
|
Sheep |
374,171 |
|
Swine |
85,480 |
The returns are not collected on the basis of stockyards. The number of animals rejected for shipment at Dublin Port during the year was: for disease 3,299, and for other causes (including debility, lameness, infirmity, fatigue and injuries) 3,475—total, 6,774. The Department have no record of any animals having been rejected because of injuries suffered in any of the stockyards at the port. On three occasions — i.e., 28th May, 20th September and 3rd December—overcrowding in the stockyards was reported to the Department, and appropriate steps were taken in the matter. These occasions were apart from the casual overcrowdings which are liable to occur on Thursdays during the busy export season, and which are dealt with by the portal staff.
Is the Minister in a position to say what particular lairages, in which overcrowding took place, were reported?
Mr. Hogan
I am, but is there any advantage in mentioning the names?
There is, decidedly; that is one of the objects of my question.
Mr. Hogan
All right. I will mention the L.M.S. and the B. & I.
Will the Minister incorporate that in the answer to my question?
Mr. Hogan
I have answered it now.
It will appear in the Official Report.