asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that increasing numbers of reimported ear-marked cattle are being offered for sale in Dublin and in fairs and marts throughout the country; and whether, in view of the depressing effect on prices which such imports are causing, he will take steps to deal with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Re-Imports of Ear-Marked Cattle.
The position is now about to be reviewed with the interests concerned in accordance with the announcement made by my Department on 30th September last.
Would the Minister indicate if there are observers on behalf of his Department in the markets in Dublin to see whether or not these cattle are coming in? Will he accept it from me that large quantities of ear-punched cattle are coming into the Dublin market and into markets throughout the country?
Since the Order was originally made this matter has been kept very actively in mind and under observation and in close consultation with all the interests affected one way or another. That is still the position.
Will the Minister accept the fact that this week the price of cattle fell somewhat because there were ear-punched cattle on the market in large numbers?
Any factor that will have the effect referred to by the Deputy will be considered.
I take it, then, that the Minister will prohibit the import of these cattle in future?
The Deputy can take it that what I have said in reply to the Deputy's question will be done.
The Minister has said nothing.
That is sometimes a very useful thing. It is something that Deputy Mulcahy could usefully keep in mind.