asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he can see his way to arrange for a re-opening of the Rosslare to Birkenhead cattle service to cater for County Wexford and the southern counties which have been free from foot-and-mouth disease.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Re-Opening of Cattle Transport Service.
The question of the re-opening of additional ports from which there are regular sailings is receiving consideration. The Deputy will appreciate that agreement by the British authorities to accept live animals from a particular port is necessary. I cannot, therefore, undertake in advance to arrange for the re-opening of Rosslare port as suggested.
It takes too long to make these new arrangements. The county which the Minister for Agriculture and I represent has been heavily hit by the present situation. Many farmers have not sold a beast this year. That means that they are not in a position to pay their shop bills or their rates. The Minister had better not hang the matter on the shelf too long.
It will be done as quickly as possible, but the British authorities have to agree.
The British authorities are prepared to take the stuff, but the Minister must not forget when he thanked God there were ships sunk and when he thought we had lost the British market.
Is that assertion to be taken as a question?