asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is now in a position to communicate the outcome of the action taken by his Department with regard to the ineligibility of Irish cattle having markings in the right ear for the subsidy scheme of Great Britain, and if the outcome of his action is unsatisfactory what further steps, if any, he proposes to take in order to relieve the many owners of such cattle in the Free State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marking of Cattle.
Dr. Ryan
I am informed that no alteration can be made in the British regulations affecting these ear-marked cattle. As to the second part of the question, it is not practicable to take special measures in regard to such cattle, the price of which is not, however, adversely affected if sold as fat cattle either for home use or for export.
Has the Minister any intention of constituting himself a butcher, as this House gave him the right to do under a previous Act, and purchasing these cattle for the purpose of the cheap meat scheme? Would not that be one way?
Dr. Ryan
It would; but why should it be done?
Why should anything be done for them? They cannot sell their cattle.