Government rules need to be tweaked to address the disruption in livestock sales, according to Timmy Dooley, senator for County Clare and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action & Environment.
He made the statement following disruption at seventeen marts nationwide today (Saturday, October 23rd). A number of sales were delayed, whilst others were called off after an online auction system went down.
‘Havoc for sellers and buyers’
“The failure today of the online sales system has created havoc for sellers and buyers.”
“Some of them left before the sale managed to get going. Some of the cattle that were here were brought home again,” he stressed.
“We need to see a certain number of buyers allowed to enter the sales ring – maintaining a suitable distance apart and wearing masks.”
“This will allow for proper competition for cattle and ensures buyers get a fair price.”
Dooley said he has spokesperson to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine this evening to change restrictions to permit a limited number of socially-distanced buyers around sale rings.
