asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the average price of cattle in the Dublin market last week, and in the corresponding week of last year; and the difference in shillings per cwt.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Prices.
80.
The average price for fat cattle at Dublin Cattle Market on 23rd February, was 154/9 per cwt liveweight as compared with 164/6 per cwt in the corresponding week of 1965. The difference was 9/9 per cwt.
Average prices for store cattle at Dublin Cattle Market are not compiled. The range of prices for store bullocks at the Market on 22nd-23rd February was, however, 147/- to 175/-per cwt liveweight and that for store heifers 139/- to 176/- per cwt. In the corresponding week of 1965, the range of prices for store bullocks was 165/-to 197/- per cwt and that for store heifers 164/- to 184/-. The differences as between the two years were from 18/- to 22/- per cwt in the case of store bullocks and from 8/- to 25/-per cwt in the case of store heifers.
In view of the depressed state of the cattle industry and the fact that the farmers' overheads have increased, does the Minister intend to do anything to increase their income?
I expect that the reduction in the three-month waiting period which will come into effect on 1st July will have a beneficial effect.
That certainly is pie in the sky and live horse and you will get grass. The Minister certainly knows that it will not make a difference of one shilling.
(Interruptions.)
Are you going to cut the calves' throats again?