asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present position with regard to export facilities for live cattle.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exports of Live Cattle.
216.
I presume the Deputy means shipping facilities. Two cattle transport companies provide about ten regular sailings per week to Britain and sailings are also arranged to the Continent and elsewhere as required by the interests concerned. The facilities provided are, I understand, adequate for present trade requirements.
Can I interpret the reply to mean that the two transport companies in the business plan to stay?
I have not any indication that they will not stay in the business.
Would the Minister have some of his officials make official inquiries into the matter because I understand it is likely that one of the concerns will pull out and that a monopoly will take over?
People will stay in a business only if it pays them to do so. I do not think there is anything a Minister can do to compel people to stay in a business if they are not getting a reward from it.