asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of horses slaughtered, and the quantity of horse meat exported in 1958.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exports of Horse Meat.
33.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together. One premises, situated at Ballyclough, Castletroy, County Limerick, has been licensed for the slaughter of horses for export. This is the only premises in respect of which an application for such a licence has been received. No horses were slaughtered at the premises and no horse meat was exported therefrom in 1958.
In the Minister's judgment, is there any prospect of any horses ever being slaughtered there, or ever being exported in the form of carcase meat?
I am not in a position to make any prophecy in that regard.
Am I to take it that these dramatic events are a justification of the promises given by the Tánaiste when he was seeking re-election in 1957, that if Fianna Fáil were re-elected, licences would be granted for the slaughter of horses and there would be a prohibition on the cruel traffic in live horses?
That has been done and it is now for private enterprise to take advantage of these facilities, if they think fit.
Would the Minister give any reason why horses have not been slaughtered?
It is not for me to give reasons in that regard.
It is for him to give promises only.