asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of horses slaughtered in this country for export purposes since the issue of licences for the export of horse flesh commenced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slaughter of Horses.
No horses have as yet been slaughtered here for export purposes. I understand that some commercial interests are at present considering the possibility of establishing a trade.
Surely they got a permit about eight or nine months ago and have they not done anything yet? It was said here in the House they were to give employment to 500 or 600 men.
I was not aware that anyone had got a permit.
I beg the Minister's pardon.
It was announced in the House.
It was announced that application for permits could be made by interested parties and a number of such applications have been received by the Department, and a number of inquiries. Draft regulations had to be prepared which were very formidable, and these draft regulations have been prepared and approved. As I say, applications have been received but no permit has been issued nor has any application at all reached the point when the issue of a permit might be considered.
I see. That is a horse of a different colour.
I shall look up the Dáil Debates and see the answers that the Minister's predecessor gave to this question.
Let the Deputy not read his own contributions.
I shall not read the Minister's contributions because they are all red herrings, not horses.