asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that Holyhead port is closing down for shipment of cattle from Ireland; and if he is making any representations to the British authorities to have another port opened for this trade or that the British rail berth in Holyhead be made available to take ships carrying Irish cattle.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Shipments.
34.
British Rail have now announced such a proposal and are required to follow a statutory procedure in regard to it which will include consideration by the Transport Users Consultative Committee and subsequent sanction by the British Government before withdrawal of the service could be effected. The likelihood of such a proposal had been mooted for quite some time past and I had already taken up the matter with the British Minister of Agriculture who, however, has felt unable to give me any assurances thereon as the service was incurring substantial annual loss. I understand that the Irish interests directly concerned are examining the whole position and I cannot comment further at this stage.
Is the Minister aware that the closing of this port for the shipment of cattle will have serious repercussions on the export trade particularly in view of the fact that the Minister is endeavouring to encourage beef factories to sell on the open market? This was an outlet for our cattle to England and Wales. If the Minister is not getting sufficient response from the British ministry can he refer the matter to the Council of Ministers?
That is not a matter for the Council of Ministers; it is a matter for British Rail and the British Government. They say that the loss is substantial and that they will not continue to provide the service at such a loss.
Could Irish Shipping provide an alternative boat for this service?
That would be transferring this substantial loss from British Rail to the Irish Exchequer.
Has the Minister any interest in the matter?
I have a great interest in it.
What is the Minister doing about this?
I have told the House what I am doing.
What I have heard amounts to nothing.
That is the Deputy's estimation.
It is a fact.
Judging by the Minister's reply it is evident that the Government have no intention of making up ends here while there is a fall at the British end.
The previous Government never made any contribution to this service.
What does the Minister propose to do about this situation?
What did my predecessor do?
The Minister will be on this side of the House soon enough but until then he is in charge of the Department and he should look after matters such as this.
The same problem was not there when we were in office.