asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether any paid officials of the Government attend the Dublin cattle market; and, if so, their names.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Cattle Market.
Officers of my Department usually attend the Dublin cattle market in the course of their ordinary official work. It is not in accordance with normal practice to publish the names of the officers assigned to such duties.
Is the Minister aware that this thing is causing a grievance amongst other people in the country who are buying cattle? They are anxious that the names should be published.
The officers of my Department have no function in regard to the buying of cattle, and they have been in attendance at the cattle market for the last 70 years.
That is a quibble.
I do not know what the Deputy is talking about.
I know what I am talking about.
You are the only one who does.
Does the Deputy say that they purchase cattle?
We all have heard of John Brown.
The people attending the cattle market are objecting to this.
I would be very glad to provide the Deputy with any information he requires. No officers of my Department have any function whatever in regard to the buying of cattle.
Probably that will satisfy the people concerned.
What about those who buy for the Belgian Government?
And what about John Brown?
There are some Deputies on both sides of the House who should realise that there is no licence to interrupt.