Vol. 513 No. 1
281 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on the issues raised in a media report (details supplied) of 19 December 1999 regarding the cruel treatment of greyhounds exported to Spain. [1506/00]
The export of greyhounds from Ireland to Spain is a legitimate trade within the European Union. We are precluded by EU rules of competition from taking any steps to restrict the export of greyhounds to other member states. In 1991 Bord na gCon ceased to be involved in the sale of greyhounds to Spain, and that remains the position. The treatment of greyhounds in Spain is, strictly speaking, a matter for the Spanish authorities. I have, however, arranged for these most recent media reports to be brought to the notice of the Spanish authorities.
283 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason for the long delay in the area aid appeal case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [1561/00]
The herdowner lodged an appeal with the headage and premia appeals unit on 31 March 1999. Following consultation within the Department, the headage and premia appeals unit is now in a position to examine the appeal and the herdowner will be notified of the outcome shortly.
