asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the large surplus of cattle in the stalls in County Wexford, he will allocate a larger proportion of the permits to export to that county as the reserves of winter feeding are exhausted, and farmers are faced with a situation in which they will be forced to turn their cattle out of the house to perish and starve if some market is not opened to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Permits for Wexford Feeders.
A census of the fat cattle in County Wexford has been taken, and the appropriate number of licences has been issued. The basis of allocation of licences is uniform throughout the country, and it will, therefore, be understood that it is not feasible to give special treatment to feeders of fat cattle in County Wexford, as this could only be done at the expense of feeders in other parts of the country.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, might I ask the Minister what is to happen the cattle when all the food is used up? We have a great scarcity of roots and hay at the present moment through the policy of the Fianna Fáil Government.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, would he state what percentage of the licences granted relates to the fat cattle on the feeders' hands, as disclosed by the census taken by the Minister?
I am not in a position to answer that, but I think it is about one-seventh. Was not that the figure announced? I think for the first period the figure would be one-seventh.
I do not want to take the Minister unawares, as he is deputising for another Minister, and naturally is not as well versed in the matter as he would be on something concerning his own Department. Does the one-seventh cover a month or three months?
As far as I know there was a census taken of the number of fat cattle which would be available for sale in March and April. During the first period—whatever period that was—I think licences were issued on the basis of one-seventh of the total number.
That would be one-seventh for the first half of February, I presume?
I think so.
I think the licences are issued fortnightly by the Department?
If the Deputy wants any more information on the matter he will have to put down a question.