asked the Minister for Agriculture if any steps can be taken to hasten the opening of the Port of Waterford for the shipment of livestock to England, in view of the fact that no foot and mouth disease exists in Saorstát Eireann; and if he will make representations to the British Ministry of Agriculture to permit all pigs and cattle held up in Fishguard to be released for immediate slaughter on 96 hours' licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease (Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
Every step on the part of the Saorstát that could conduce towards the opening of the ports has been taken, and the Department are in constant touch with the British Ministry on the subject. I would point out, however, that the position in regard to foot and mouth disease in Great Britain is one of very considerable gravity, and that this delays the opening of their ports. Enquiries have been addressed to the British Ministry as to permitting pigs and cattle held up in Fishguard to be released for immediate slaughter, and the Department have been informed by that Ministry that they are unable at the present juncture to agree to movement from Fishguard for slaughter.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is prepared to modify the order of the Department, imposing an embargo on cattle returning to Saorstát Eireann in the case of Donegal farmers exhibiting at Derry in the North West Agricultural Show, in view of the paramount importance of this show to the farming community of County Donegal.
Mr. Hogan
I regret that I cannot make any modification of the Order referred to at present. There is a disease risk involved in the matter, as animals from different areas in Northern Ireland were exhibited at the show. I consider that under existing circumstances every precaution must be taken, and that no relaxation can be granted at present.