asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state why the slaughter-house licence of James J. O'Donovan, victualler, Castle Street, Dunmanway, has been cancelled, and why legal proceedings have been brought against him in consequence of which he is compelled now to subsist on relief provided by the home assistance board; and if, in view of this circumstance, the Minister will restore the licence and thus enable the licensee to earn a livelihood by his occupation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cancellation of Slaughter-house Licence.
The registration of the slaughtering premises registered in the name of James J. O'Donovan at Castle Street, Dunmanway, Co. Cork, was cancelled for failure to pay levy on cattle slaughtered in the premises.
Legal proceedings have been instituted against Mr. O'Donovan for:—
(1) recovery of levy due in respect of cattle slaughtered in his slaughtering premises,
(2) for slaughtering cattle in his premises after the cancellation of the registration of these premises,
(3) for selling meat from places other than registered victualling premises.
The question of the restoration of the registration of the slaughtering premises cannot be considered until the outstanding levy has been paid.
Does the general undertaking which the Minister gave in regard to these matters apply to this case and if Mr. O'Donovan approaches him with a bona fide offer to pay any outstanding arrears of levy by reasonable instalments, will he favourably consider such a proposal with a view to restoring his licence?
Dr. Ryan
Yes.