asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will arrange with the British Government for the exclusion of thoroughbred horses exported from this country from the operation of the British tariffs on account of the unprofitable prices that Irish thoroughbred horses are realising and the danger of the breeding of racehorses being killed in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tariffs on Thoroughbred Horses.
Dr. Ryan
The tariff in question is one of the British penal tariffs, and it is not proposed to raise the matter of this particular tariff, which involves the whole question at issue between the two countries.
I suppose that means that we are losing our horse industry altogether?
There is no mercy, of course.
Is the Minister aware that the income of Irish farmers from the sale of their stock and farm produce is down 90 per cent. in the first three months of this year? Is he aware that in this first three months the Irish farmers lost £400,000 on horses, and will the Minister suggest any other substitute income for the Irish farmer?
Dr. Ryan
I am not aware that the Deputy's figures are correct.
They are correct. Will the Minister look into the figures with a view to trying to understand the position of the farmers?
Has the Minister a prejudice against horse-breeding as against other live stock?
Dr. Ryan
No.