asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that in many cases there has been very considerable delay in the transit of cattle by rail, sometimes necessitating cattle being in the waggons for over 24 hours, with the result that animals have arrived at their destination in very poor condition; and, if so, if he will make representations to the railway company on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rail Transit of Cattle.
The great majority of cattle conveyed by rail are carried in special cattle trains from inland fairs for shipment the same evening. Occasionally these trains fail to arrive at the ports on schedule but, as a rule, there is no great delay, and no case of so long a delay as 24 hours has come to the notice of the Department. In the case of inland cattle movement by ordinary goods trains, delays may occasionally occur, but such cases, as a rule, are not brought to the notice of the Department. All cases of delay which come under notice are promptly investigated.
If the Minister is given particulars of a case, will he look into it? In this particular case there was a delay of 25 hours.
Yes, certainly.