asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the regulation of the Department of Agriculture making it a condition for the export of fat cattle that only animals of approximately 10 cwt. live weight and upwards are eligible for export licences is detrimental to the interests of the small farmers and stock owners of the County Kerry, and if he will consider amending the said regulation so as to admit of export licences being issued for animals of approximately 8 cwts. live weight.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Exports.
During the period in which shipments of fat stock were limited it was desirable to export only well finished heavy cattle. The restriction of exports to cattle of approximately 10 cwt. and upwards was a temporary one and has now been dropped. There is no objection to the export of well meated small cattle, but unfinished lightweight cattle should not be included in consignments of fat cattle for slaughter.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he can state when the export of store cattle to Great Britain will be resumed.
As the Deputy is no doubt now aware, the shipment of store cattle to Great Britain was resumed on the 27th instant.
Can we have the assurance of the Minister that there is no truth in the rumour circulated during the past few days that some hitch has arisen between the British Government and ourselves which would stop the export of store cattle?
No. Only store cattle of approximately two and a half years and upwards—that is to say, where they have two teeth and a third appearing—are allowed in.
Are cows excepted?
Milch cows and springers are excepted.
No date of resumption is fixed?
No.