asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether he is aware that in the district of Creeslough, Tirconaill, there are only about seven licensed bulls, although the number of cows to be served is about two thousand, and that complaint is made that the bulls supplied by the Ministry are young, stall-fed cattle, which are considered unsuitable for the district, and whether he can make better provision for the needs of the district.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LICENSED BULLS IN TIROONAILL.
Mr. HOGAN
The information at my disposal indicates that there is no serious shortage of bulls in Creeslough district. There are at present standing in the neighbourhood of Creeslough three bulls supplied by the Department on special reduced terms. In addition, six bulls supplied on similar terms or as extra premium bulls are located with persons residing in the adjoining districts of Dunfanaghy and Falcarragh. Only five bulls have been presented at the four inspections held in Creeslough under the Live Stock Breeding Act since its inception in 1925, and of these only three were suitable for licensing. In the other districts mentioned sixteen bulls were examined in the same period, seven of which were licensed. At the inspection held last February three bulls were shown at Dunfanaghy, two of which were licensed, and two at Falcarragh, one of which was licensed, while none were shown at Creeslough. It will thus be seen that practically half the bulls in the whole area have been supplied by the Department, while the farmers, particularly in Creeslough, in view of the very few bull calves retained by them for breeding purposes, appear to be satisfied that the bulls available are suitable and sufficient for their requirements.