asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to complaints regarding the inadequate shipping facilities for cattle from the port of Cork; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
28.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Port Shipping Facilities.
27.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a large number of cattle were injured on a B & I boat and had to be detained in Fishguard by veterinary authorities; and, if so, what steps he has taken in this case.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.
I have been advised by the company that until 7th November, cattle sailings from Cork were provided by a passenger/cargo vessel—the "Innisfallen"— on Mondays and Wednesdays to Fishguard and by a cargo vessel the "Glanmire" on Saturdays to Birkenhead. By reason of the losses sustained by the company in 1965 and the poor utilisation of the passenger/cargo service between Cork and Fishguard in the winter months, the company decided to withdraw the passenger/ cargo service for portion of the winter months, and to utilise the "Glanmire" for all three cattle sailings from Cork. This involved, however, changing the day of sailing to Birkenhead from Saturday to Friday. The local cattle traders were consulted and indicated that the Friday sailing would be satisfactory. The exporters withdrew their approval of the project a few days before the first sailing at which stage all arrangements had been made and it was not possible to reverse the decision. The company proposes to resume the Saturday sailings to Birkenhead from Cork at the beginning of December.
Regarding the allegation that a number of cattle were injured in transit, I have been advised that from time to time cattle are detained at the arrival port for periods in excess of the normal detention period, because of foot soreness. The company states that no cattle exported from Cork recently were detained at Fishguard because of injuries.