Vol. 503 No. 7
50 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cattle seized in 1998 and for the first three months of 1999 which were believed to be smuggled in from Northern Ireland; if he has satisfied himself that the procedures for the prevention of smuggling are effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11035/99]
A total of 391 cattle believed to have been illegally imported from Northern Ireland were seized in 1998, and a further 50 such cattle were seized in the first three months of this year. Close liaison is maintained between my Department, the Garda authorities and customs and excise to ensure that the ban on the import of live cattle from the United Kingdom is fully implemented.
