asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the recent impounding by Gardaí in Dublin of cattle, not fully attested, which were in process of being exported.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Impounding of Cattle.
65.
Mr. Donnellan
I assume that the Question relates to an impounding of cattle earlier this month.
This action was taken arising out of investigations carried out by the Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, in connection with suspected offences against the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Scheme. I have no reason to doubt that the action was justified both by the need to prevent the export of cattle the export of which was believed to be unauthorised and the need to preserve evidence for any proceedings that may be instituted when the investigations are complete.
Mr. Donnellan
Would the Minister state the number of cattle impounded?
There has been a number of instances——
Mr. Donnellan
What is the total number at the moment?
About 100 are impounded in one case.
Mr. Donnellan
Would the Minister say the number of exporters who took part in this discreditable business?
I do not want to make any statement of that nature because the investigations are still being carried on by the Garda Síochána in conjunction with officers of the Department of Agriculture.