asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the present plight of cattle dealers and small cattle traders who have been deprived of their means of livelihood by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, and whether as these men, who hitherto existed from week to week on their earnings from the trade, have now no other means of subsistence and are ineligible for unemployment assistance he will consider the advisability of making some provision for them until such time as they are again in a position to earn their living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Traders' Position.
I am aware that considerable hardship has resulted from the dislocation of the live-stock industry due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. The effects of the dislocation are widespread and are not confined to cattle dealers and traders. In the circumstances, I do not propose to make the provision suggested.