asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that Northern Ireland cattle were being shipped from the North Wall, Dublin on B & I boats during the recent shipping strike while cattle from this part of the country were left in the port; and if he can explain why this was done.

The allocation of shipping space on the company's vessels is the responsibility of the Board of the B & I Company. I have, however, had inquiries made of the company and I am advised that, as cattle space during the British seamen's strike was at a premium, they exercised great care in allocating space amongst the cattle shippers. The company also did everything possible to ensure that no cattle were shipped which could be alleged to have been diverted traffic. Cattle were accepted only from regular shippers. It is possible that some of the cattle exported by such shippers originated in Northern Ireland.

Is it not a well-known fact that Northern Ireland owners were operating here and taking cattle from the North and shipping them from Dublin?

I have already replied to that question.

Surely some of his people should have been able to give the Minister that information?

I have already said so in reply to the question.

The Minister used the word "some".

I am sure the seamen will be delighted at the protection they are getting from Fine Gael here. In the next strike, they will remember it.