asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if any new conditions have been recommended to him recently governing the establishment of new livestock marts; if he has accepted them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Livestock Marts.
18.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part, I have no choice under a Supreme Court decision but to grant a livestock mart licence if the premises comply with the general regulations governing the operation of marts.
Would the Minister not agree that there should be some system of rationalisation in regard to the establishment of new livestock marts?
There is no power in the Act to restrict the number if they meet the standards laid down.
Has the Minister contemplated amending the Act so as to cover what would appear to be an omission which needs to be filled?
There appears to be some doubt as to whether the Act can be amended and still be constitutional.
If it is not in the Act I feel the Act should be amended.