asked the Minister for Justice if he will state (a) how many seizures have been made in Cork County on foot of decrees for unpaid annuities during the past six months; (b) the number of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and motor cars seized in that time; (c) the total amount realised at the sales; and (d) the total costs incurred in connection with those seizures and sales.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co. Cork Seizures.
Dr. Ryan
I would refer the Deputy to the answer which I gave yesterday to Deputy Burke in reply to a similar question.
I was not present yesterday when the Minister for Justice answered Deputy Burke's question. Surely somebody ought to be responsible for giving this information, but, as I understand it, nobody is responsible. People cannot get information about the amounts realised at these sales or of the total costs incurred. Surely somebody is responsible, and information should be given to members of the House as to the costs incurred and the amounts realised at these sales.
Dr. Ryan
The position, I understand, is that the Minister is responsible for the making of the regulations and the notices to be issued before a seizure is made, but that from the time a seizure is made the undersheriff is altogether responsible.
The Minister, surely, is responsible for sending out the Guards. Therefore, he must know what it costs to send the Guards out on each seizure.
Dr. Ryan
Yes.
And the Minister is not giving that information.
Dr. Ryan
We all know that it is a big cost.