asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has taken any steps to have scheduled cattle shipping services preserved between Ireland and Britain after 1975 and established at the earliest possible date between Ireland and the Continent; and if his Department have consulted with the Department of Transport and Power or with the shipping companies in which the State has a financial interest regarding these matters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Shipping Services.
35.
My Department have all along been consulting with the Department of Transport and Power in regard to the shipping facilities required by Irish cattle exporters for transport to Britain and the Continent and I am satisfied that the latter Department are doing everything open to them in these matters.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the only ship upon which one can book cattle to the Continent is the Tyro which goes from Dublin to Le Havre? The charge is £20 per beast. This is an excessively high charge. Something should be done to provide alternative shipping facilities so that this market can be availed of by Irish cattle exporters.
This is a matter for the exporters themselves. Needless to say, we are interested in the problem. This is why we are having consultations with the Department of Transport and Power. We are hoping to improve the position.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary considered the possibility of the Irish shipping companies involving themselves in the provision of such facilities? I am speaking about the B & I or Irish Shipping Limited.
That is an aspect we are considering at the present time.