asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will have inquiries made into the allegation that an undue proportion of good mares has been exported for some time past; and, if the allegation is correct, if he will take steps to place a restriction on such exports and encourage by subsidy the retention of such mares for home breeding purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exportation of Mares.
There is no evidence to support the allegation that an undue proportion of good mares is being exported. In point of fact, the total numbers of horses exported in recent years show little variation, while the statistics for 1938 show a slight increase in the number of horses in the country over the preceding year. In the circumstances, the action suggested in the second part of the question does not appear to be necessary.