Vol. 468 No. 4
844 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total number of cattle seized along the Border since the special operation was mounted there as a result of the BSE problems in Great Britain; the number of these animals that have been slaughtered; the number of these cattle being kept in restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15154/96]
Since the introduction of the complete prohibition on export of cattle from the United Kingdom on 27 March 1996, 752 cattle have been seized on suspicion of illegal importation from Northern Ireland. Of these, 267 cattle have been released following investigation whilst 203 animals have already been destroyed. The remaining animals being detained by the Department are either still under investigation or will shortly be destroyed.
