asked the Minister for Transport and Power the present estimated number of holders of merchandise licences in the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow, Carlow, Longford and Westmeath; and if he will give instructions for an official questionnaire to be sent to all holders of merchandise licences in these counties to find out (a) the number of merchandise licence-holders in these seven counties who carry livestock and (b) the number of livestock which they have carried individually from the date on which the regulations were changed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Merchandise Licence Holders.
3.
In the seven counties in question there are 214 merchandise licences of which 171 authorise the carriage of livestock. This capacity is in addition to that provided by CIE. CIE inspectors and station masters attend the principal fairs and marts and arrange road/rail transport on request. When the need arises they will issue on-the-spot authorisations to any lorry owner, whether licensed haulier or otherwise but without prejudice to the interests of licensed hauliers, to carry uncleared odd or final lots of livestock from fairs and marts.
As I have informed the Dáil, I am keeping the whole question of road transport facilities for the livestock trade under review. In addition the question will be considered by the study group which I have established to examine the desirability of further measures of liberalisation of road transport for reward. The study group will be able to make inquiries in order to ascertain such information as may be useful in assessing the problem and the Deputy may be assured that this assessment will, as far as practicable, relate to what he has in mind.