asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that the sheriff or his officer accepted a bid of £90 for 89 cattle at Fermoy which subsequently realised over £700 at Belfast, and whether he will direct sheriffs in future to offer live stock at public sales in lots not exceeding six beasts in one lot in order to ensure that excessive losses will not be inflicted on the owners of the property offered for sale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheriffs' Sales.
Dr. Ryan
The answer to both parts of the Deputy's question is in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, however, I may say that I have no doubt that, if appropriate representations are made in the matter to under-sheriffs at a proper time and in a proper way, such representations will receive reasonable and fair consideration.
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise the latter part of the question on the adjournment.
Dr. Ryan
What is unsatisfactory in it?
I will tell the Minister all about it on the adjournment.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, he states that if reasonable representations are made to the sheriff he will agree to do what is asked in the question. Representations have been made from time to time to the sheriff, or to whomever is in charge, to have these cattle put up in reasonable lots, and these representations have not been acceded to. The answer that they have given to such representations has been to the effect that they have received instructions to do otherwise, and in some places they have put up as many as 100 cattle together.
Dr. Ryan
They have received no such instructions.
Does the Minister mean those in charge—the sheriff's officers?
Dr. Ryan
Yes.
Some of them have made statements to that effect to myself.