asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fact that the stocks of sheep in the mountainous areas of South Kerry have become depleted in recent years, he will take steps to have a scheme drawn up after consultation with local representatives whereby loans will be made available for sheep farmers in those areas to enable them to restock their lands and develop their business as formerly; further, if he will see that his Department will make arrangements to ensure that the restocking will be carried out with sheep imported from Scotland, or, in any event, from areas of the country outside South Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South Kerry Sheep Stocks.
The annual returns relative to sheep stocks in County Kerry as a whole reflect the position in the hilly districts, for comparatively few sheep are kept in other parts of the county. Those returns show that there was a decline in the number of sheep in 1934 and 1935, but that there has since been a considerable increase. I am aware that, owing to the abnormal and unfavourable conditions which prevailed last season, the mortality in sheep in the more exposed districts of County Kerry was greater than usual, but, taking the area as a whole, and in view of the fact that stocks have tended to increase in the last few years, I am not satisfied that a loan scheme of the nature suggested is necessary. I may add that it is intended to continue in operation the scheme whereunder stock rams are brought into the county and supplied at nominal prices to sheep breeders in the hilly districts.