Vol. 228 No. 4
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to a complaint by the Irish Livestock Exporters Association regarding the inadequacy of cattle transport facilities in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
9.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to reports regarding the virtual breakdown in railway transport facilities for Irish cattle from British ports; and if he will indicate the steps he is taking to rectify this situation.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
From time to time during the past six or eight months, there have been temporary shortages of railway wagons for the movement of Irish cattle from the landing ports in Britain to inland centres. Since this problem first arose it has been receiving close attention from my Department and the Irish Embassy in London, in co-operation with the Irish Livestock Exporters and Traders Association. A further discussion on this and other aspects of the transport arrangements for Irish cattle exports to Britain took place recently in my Department with representatives of British Railways, the livestock exporters and other interests concerned. I am hopeful that the steps taken will lead to improvements in the position. My Department will continue to give special attention to the matter with a view to ensuring that satisfactory facilities are provided for the valuable trade involved.
