asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that live-stock breeders in Connaught and the West of Ireland Cattle Traders' Association have suffered serious financial loss as a result of being obliged to have cattle sent over the Border and shipped from Belfast to Derry; and, if so, if he will negotiate with some of the steamship companies with a view to having a service established at Sligo for the purpose of conveying live stock from the West of Ireland to Great Britain.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Shipment of Cattle from Belfast.
No representations have been received by my Department regarding the matters mentioned in the Deputy's question. In any event, I do not consider that the position is such or that shipping facilities have improved to such an extent as would warrant an approach to the shipping companies with a view to the resumption of a regular steamer service from Sligo.
I wonder is the Minister aware that very severe hardships have been inflicted on the members of the West of Ireland Cattle Traders' Association by reason of having the cattle shipped from Belfast or Derry? Is he further aware that cattle have to remain from six to eight days in Belfast before they are shipped, with the result that they deteriorate considerably in quality and consequently in value? In view of those facts, will the Minister make representation to the shipping companies with the object of having a service established at Sligo?
The traders concerned have made no complaint.