asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a prosecution was recently instituted against Bernard McGill, Glenties, County Donegal, for harbouring an uncustomed bull calf, that this animal had in fact been rescued from a wrecked ship and saved from starvation by the defendant; and further, that the Department of Agriculture refused an application for a licence for this calf and ordered its destruction; and if the Minister will now state how this calf has since been disposed of, stating, if sold, the name and address of the purchaser and the price paid, and whether he proposes to compensate the defendant in the recent proceedings for the maintenance of the calf while under his control.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Prosecution.
I am aware that a prosecution was instituted by the Revenue Commissioners against Bernard McGill, Ballintra, Arranmore Island, County Donegal, for knowingly harbouring uncustomed and prohibited goods. The case arose through the acquisition by Mr. McGill of a bull calf which had been removed by Arranmore islanders from a derelict foreign vessel. I understand that the Department of Agriculture have refused to license the bull but have not ordered its destruction. Following on the decision of the court in the proceedings referred to, the animal was handed over to the local Receiver of Wreck, by whom offers for its purchase are now being sought. It is not proposed to compensate Mr. McGill for the maintenance of the calf while under his control.
Has the animal been sold?