asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider cancelling the proposed gift of 25,000 head of beef cattle to Europe, in view of the small stocks of fat cattle at present in the country, and as the export of such a large number of cattle will cause a shortage of beef in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gift of Cattle to Europe.
Owing to the difficulty in procuring cans, it has not hitherto been possible to proceed with the packing of the canned meat promised under the scheme for the relief of distress in Europe. Cans are only now becoming available for part of the quantity promised. I realise that it would have been much better if canning for the Continent could have started three or four months ago. A big proportion of cattle to be used for canning will be mainly of a kind not used for home consumption. I may add that the position will be kept constantly under review in my Department in order to detect any undesirable tendency that might show itself.
In view of the fact that at the moment there is a very limited supply of beef cattle, does the Minister think that this is an opportune time to have 25,000 cattle converted into tinned beef for the Continent? In response to the numerous requests of public bodies and local authorities, would the Minister, in view of the seriousness of the food situation, consider cancelling this order?
Has the Minister's attention been drawn to a statement which appeared in the New York Times of Thursday, February 6th, headed “Dublin” and which goes on:—
"The Irish Government is preparing to ship 10,000,000 lb. of kosher meat to Europe for distribution amongst Jewish displaced persons——"
That is a separate question.
I want to ask——
It is a separate question.
Is this meat to which Deputy Flanagan referred the kosher meat described in this announcement in the New York Times? Is the New York Times right or wrong?
All that I can say is that the two Deputies have tried to outdo each other in exaggeration.
I am merely reading out the statement which appeared in the New York Times. Is it right or is it wrong?
It is grossly exaggerated.
Is it right or is it wrong?
It is wrong.
Is the Minister aware that within the last week we have had a case down the country where a family was almost dying of starvation and had to be taken to the county home?
How much of this meat is going to Europe in the form of kosher meat?
At the outside 1,000,000 lb.
It is a damn shame.
It may be such a shame as the Deputy describes, in his opinion, but that is not a supplementary question.
That is the opinion of the country.
The country does not agree with the Deputy.
It does.