asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his Department has ascertained whether damage is being caused to the Irish cattle trade by the import into the State of English cattle for re-export to the Continent, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import of English Cattle.
Mr. Murphy
The import of cattle from England is controlled under the Diseases of Animals Acts and import facilities are granted only in respect of limited numbers of pedigree breeding animals that have complied with strict veterinary requirements, including the completion of a period of quarantine at the British port of export. My Department does not allow English cattle to be imported for the purpose of being re-exported to the Continent.
Does the Minister not know perfectly well that Deputy Murphy is referring to cattle imported from Northern Ireland?
He has used the term "English cattle for re-export to the Continent".
He means cattle from Northern Ireland.
The ones with their ears punched.