asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the large scale smuggling of cattle across the Border into the Six Counties, which has caused a fall in supplies for slaughtering and consequent loss of employment in meat factories on this side of the Border; and whether, since this smuggling arises out of the fact that there is a Border MCA levy of approximately £60 per animal, he will raise this matter as a question of urgency in the EEC Council of Agricultural Ministers with a view to equalising cattle prices in this country.
Written Answers. - Cattle Smuggling.
158.
My Department have already asked the customs authorities to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to eliminate illegal exports of cattle and we have also reported the matter to the EEC Commission, who would be concerned about the loss of funds to FEOGA.
In the forthcoming discussions on prices in the EEC Council of Ministers, I shall not hesitate to raise any question which has an incidence on the well-being of the Irish cattle and beef industry.