Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Livestock Marts.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

246 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will financially help the livestock marts by way of a substantial reduction in the rate demand by local authorities; his views on the fact that it was the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development who demanded the closure of the marts during the foot and mouth scare; if his attention has been drawn to the huge loss of revenue by all marts; if his attention has further been drawn to the poor financial position that many such livestock marts find themselves in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26214/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

The matter of rates relief is in the first instance for each local authority and, at central government level, the Department of Environment and Local Government. My Department acknowledges the impact on livestock marts of measures which were introduced and designed to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

I am aware that the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, ICOS, is pursuing with the relevant authorities a case for a measure of rates relief for marts.