asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that beef cattle bearing Six Counties' certification marks are being imported and slaughtered by meat packers here for exports to European countries, and whether, as this practice is harmful to the cattle trade here, he will take action to prevent it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Imports by Meat Exporters.
Mr. Moylan
While some cattle bearing the Six County certification mark are being slaughtered at meat export premises here, the numbers involved are not significant. The position is being kept under close observation by my Department and if it should appear that the importation of such animals for slaughter here for exports is having detrimental effects generally, appropriate steps will be taken to deal with the situation.
Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that he does not intend to take action which will prevent this practice, which is upset ting the cattle trade of this country? If not, why not?