asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (i) the names of the countries to which it is-proposed to export a quota of cattle for the coming year; (ii) the amount of the quota in each case; (iii) the approximate date on which buyers of cattle for these countries will be appointed, and (iv) by whom they will be appointed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Export Quotas.
(i) It has not yet been finally settled what Continental countries will receive allocations of live cattle this season, but some preliminary allocations have been made, namely, to Belgium, Western Germany and Switzerland. An allocation of carcase beef has been made to Sweden. Applications from other countries are under consideration.
(ii) The allocations made so far are 6,000 head for Belgium; 5,000 head for Switzerland; 3,000 head for Western Germany; and 300 tons of carcase beef for Sweden.
(iii) and (iv) I have no information as to when buyers of cattle will be appointed as this is a matter for the Governments of the importing countries.
Are we to take it from the Minister's reply that Deputy Fagan's brother-in-law and the Minister's own henchman in Monaghan may not be appointed this year?
I do not know what the Deputy is talking about, but I do respectfully submit that the vicious and scandalous practice of using the names of individual citizens across the floor of the House for the purpose of telling falsehoods reflects no credit on the front bench opposite.
But it is true. You cannot deny it.
Does the Leader of the Opposition approve?
Mr. de Valera
I do not approve but I could have wished that the Minister when he was a Deputy at this side had set a good example.
Order!
It is a true statement.
The lowest common denominator is accepted by the Leader of the Opposition.
It is true and I will meet you before the Cattle Dealers' Association about it.