asked the Minister for Finance the extent of pig smuggling from Northern Ireland to this part of the country; and what steps have been taken to prevent it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Smuggling.
103.
No reliable estimate can be given of the extent to which the smuggling of pigs is taking place but the available information has tended to show that the traffic was assuming fairly large proportions. Appropriate counter measures were taken by the customs, including the intensification of patrols in the border areas, and it is believed that there has been a falling off in this illegal traffic.
Will the Minister answer the statement I made earlier today that when it was reported to the Department that there was a Northern Ireland truck and trailer carrying 115 pigs at a certain place in this city, no action was taken because it was said the pigs were not tattooed, and no pigs have been tattooed for the past 15 months?
Patrols were strengthened in border areas and it is believed there has been a falling off in pig smuggling since.
But is there an explanation of the fact that no action was taken when there was concrete proof and evidence there?
I have told the Deputy that action was taken.
It was the pig dealers' association that made the report. No. action was taken in this case.
I am not aware of the particular case, but I am aware that patrols have been strengthened and that there has been a falling off in this activity in the past few weeks.
There would need to be.