asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that owing to the fact that thoroughbred mares have to be sent to the stud before foaling, and that the country of origin determines whether the foal is dutiable or not, there has been a considerable decrease in the number of English mares sent to first class sires in Ireland with a corresponding increase in the number of Irish mares sent to English sires, to the detriment of the bloodstock breeding industry in Ireland, and if he is prepared whether by way of bounty or otherwise to counteract this loss to Irish horse breeders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duty on Foals.
I am aware that there has been, owing to a number of causes, a decrease in the number of English mares sent to sires in Ireland. It is not, however, possible to say to what relative extent these various causes have operated in bringing about the reduction in numbers. I do not propose that bounties should be paid, but I have had under consideration the feasibility of adopting other means towards assisting the horse-breeding industry in question.