Brian O'Shea
Question:335 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the function his Department has in the licensing and operation of cattle marts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9366/98]
Written Answers. - Marts Regulations.
My functions in relation to cattle marts derive primarily from the Livestock Marts Act, 1967, and the Livestock Marts Regulations, 1968.
My functions in relation to marts have been extended by the provisions of Article 11 of revised Directive 64/432/EEC (OJ L 109 of 25 April 1997), which imposes certain conditions on livestock assembly centres. I am currently examining these provisions for transportation into national rules by 1 July 1998, which is the commencement date for the directive.
Individual marts are eligible for National and EU grant assistance under the FEOGA processing and marketing grants scheme (Council Regulation (EC) No. 951/97) pursuant to the food sub-programme of the operational programme for industrial development. Accordingly, I have aided a number of marts under this scheme.