asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the advantages in the British fat cattle markets enjoyed by Northern Ireland farmers as compared with the farmers of Eire; and, if so, whether he will offer a similar subsidy for home-fed beef with a view to encouraging the finishing of cattle on the farms of Eire.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subsidy for Home-Fed Beef.
The question of a subsidy for fat cattle is again being considered in the light of further representations recently made to me. Meantime I am not in a position to give a definite reply to the Deputy's inquiry.
Surely the Minister knows——
The Deputy, I presume, rose to ask a supplementary question. It is not permissible to make a speech in reply to the Minister.
My speech never lasted longer than five minutes. Is the Minister aware that Northern Ireland cattle were on offer in Dublin market, these cattle being subsidised by the Northern Minister for Agriculture?
I did not hear the Deputy's question properly.
Is the Minister aware that this country, for the first time in 300 years, is importing fat cattle?
I should be surprised if Deputy Keating made any such statement. I should not be surprised at Deputy Dillon making it.
Is the Minister aware that fat cattle are being imported from Northern Ireland and sold in the Dublin market because there are not adequate supplies of fat cattle here as a result of the Minister's policy?
There is absolutely no foundation for that statement.
It is absolutely true.