Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 7

Written Answers. - Cattle Smuggling.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

55 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department was involved in the seizure of a consignment of cattle on 5 January 1999 at Nenagh, County Tipperary; if his Department has reason to believe that the cattle were smuggled from Northern Ireland; the exact location of the seizure; the individual to whom the cattle were being consigned; the steps, if any, he has taken as a result of the seizure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11037/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I would refer the Deputy to reply to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 24 February 1999 which outlined the background to this seizure which took place on the public road outside Nenagh. The suspicion is that the animals were smuggled from Northern Ireland.

A joint Department of Agriculture and Food-Garda Síochána investigation is continuing. The Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to disclose information which might prejudice a successful prosecution.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

56 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to the investigation into the circumstances of the seizure of a consignment of cattle at the AIBP plant in Nenagh, County Tipperary, in November 1997 which were believed to have been imported from the United Kingdom in contravention of EU veterinary legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11036/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The Departmental investigation has been concluded and the report is now being finalised with a view to assessing appropriate further action.