asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that two working horses engaged in ploughing operations were seized by the sheriff in County Dublin, and if in view of the urgent need for increased tillage he will take steps to prohibit such seizures.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seizure by Sheriff in County Dublin.
The Minister for Justice has no power or duty to give orders to under-sheriffs in matters of this kind. I may perhaps add that, on the information before me as to the circumstances of the particular case to which the Deputy presumably refers, I would not have intervened even if I had the power to do so.
Is the Minister not aware that tillage operations are being seriously impeded as a result of the power which the sheriff has to seize horses, implements, tractors and other equipment used in tillage operations? In view of this fact, would he not seek the power, through an Emergency Powers Order, to protect the property of people engaged in tillage, particularly those who take land by conacre for the purpose of tilling?