asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce is he aware that live stock entering Dublin for the metropolitan markets were prevented yesterday from entering the market by pickets, and that salemasters were informed if sales were conducted no cattle would be taken to port by the drovers, that if live stock were taken to port they would not be handled for shipment; and what steps the Minister proposes to take in order to see that our live-stock trade is not interfered with in this way.
Private Notice Question. - Strike of Dublin Municipal Employees.
Mr. Brennan
I regret to say that on yesterday the strike of the Dublin Municipal Employees was extended in the manner indicated in the question. I need scarcely say how gravely detrimental such action is likely to be to the position which Dublin holds as the premier cattle market of the country, how it may re-act upon the livelihood of a very great number of Dublin citizens and what damages it may do to our primary industry by placing a stranglehold upon our live-stock export. It is clear that the extension of the municipal dispute in such a way as to involve the port of Dublin would be fraught with the gravest ill-consequences, not only to the economic life of the city but to the State as a whole. The Government, therefore, has considered this matter in all its aspects and is prepared to use all the means at its disposal to ensure that the live-stock trade, and the vital economic interests of the whole community which depend upon it, are not jeopardised.