asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture what steps have been taken since the passing of the Live Stock Breeding Act, 1925, to improve the breed of Kerry cattle, and, in particular, the number of suitable "Kerry" bulls that have been provided out of public funds, and the amount expended thereon, for the particular areas in County Kerry, confined to Kerry cattle.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - IMPROVEMENT OF KERRY CATTLE.
Mr. HOGAN
Since the passing of the Act referred to, steps have been taken by the Department to locate in the Kerry cattle areas a number of high-class pedigree Kerry bulls of good milking strain on special reduced terms, with the view to improving the stock in such areas. Owners have been advised and encouraged to retain their best young stock for breeding purposes, and with this object in view the Department have approved of a grant of £50 from the Kerry County Committee's funds towards the provision of prizes for Kerry cattle at local shows held under the auspices of the Kerry Cattle Society. During the period in question, 80 Kerry bulls have been provided, at a cost to public funds of over £2,400, for the particular areas referred to in the concluding portion of the question.