asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will reconsider his decision regarding the importation of pets (dogs, cats) as many English families who wish to holiday here are now deterred from doing so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Pets.
46.
The ban on imports of dogs and cats from Britain was imposed as a necessary precaution against the introduction of rabies into this country and I could not contemplate removing it until I am satisfied on veterinary advice that it is safe to do so.
As indicated in reply to a question by Deputy Moore on 11th June, the earliest the ban can be reviewed is in September, provided, of course, that there is no further outbreak of rabies in Britain in the meantime.
Would the Minister consider lifting this ban for July and August?
No. It is more important to ensure that this part of the country is kept as free from rabies as possible.
Is the Minister aware that if a person travels through Belfast he can avoid these regulations and that if the Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Hillery, had wanted to bring back a pet with him the other day he could have done so?
Was the Deputy against his going there?
Question No. 47.
This is a very important point, Sir. Irish people are prohibited——
We cannot have a discussion on this.
I am asking the Minister if he is aware that Irish people returning from holidays or British people coming here for holidays may not bring pets through the port of Dublin but they can bring them through Belfast? Is that not a ridiculous situation?
No.
Does the Minister agree with the regulation?
That question has already been asked.
But the Minister has not answered it.
Question No.47.
Does the Minister not agree that the regulations in Britain are of a higher standard than those which we have here?
That is a separate question.
It is not. It is very pertinent.
It may be pertinent but it is a separate question.
I should like to point out that the question relates to English families wishing to bring pet cats or pet dogs to this country from England. It is wrong to say that the veterinary standards are higher in Britain than they are here because in recent times there have been several outbreaks of rabies among animals susceptible to that disease in Britain. It is an elementary precaution that we should prevent as far as possible the importation of such animals.
(Interruptions.)
I am calling Question No. 47.
Would it be easier to bring in guns?
Do not be irresponsible.
The Minister's party are irresponsible.
You condone the importation of guns and you prohibit the importation of cats and dogs.
(Interruptions.)