asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the annual exports of store heifers from Éire have increased from 109,000 in 1932 to 221,700 in 1937 and, if so, whether he will institute a scheme for purchasing heifers for distribution amongst farmers in this country before our foundation stocks of cattle are depleted beyond repair.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Heifers.
As the figures quoted by the Deputy indicate, the exports of heifers vary a good deal from year to year. I am satisfied, however, that sufficient heifers are being retained to maintain our dairy herds, the numbers of which have remained fairly constant for a number of years past.
Is the Minister aware that the annual export of heifers from this country in the last ten years has nearly doubled and that a further review of the total heifer population and births in the country would suggest that if the present rate of export continues our foundation herd of cows will consist at the end of five years of nothing but culls?
I think the Deputy took the years 1932 and 1937, but if he goes back to 1930 the numbers would not vary so much at all between 1930 and 1938. In any case, the number of cows in the country has remained constant—cows and heifers.
But has the Minister adverted to the fact that the number of heifers being distributed represents about that proportion of the total heifer output which could be regarded as first-class animals? If we are to assume that the exporters are picking their beasts in the fairs and exporting nothing but good animals—which I think we may assume—it suggests that the balance, which are really culls, the second class, are being left to us.
No.
Because there is not enough heifers being produced to maintain a supply of 200,000 first-class heifers per annum for export to Great Britain and at the same time leave sufficient here to produce good dairy stock in the long run. Will the Minister look into the question further?
Certainly. We have looked into this question before, and, naturally, we keep it under constant review, but I would not like to have it understood that I agree with the Deputy that all the good heifers are going out and that only the bad heifers are being kept behind. I think many breeders are keeping their best beasts behind.
If I can submit figures to the Minister which would suggest that the theory I advance is correct, will the Minister then consider a heifer distribution scheme on the lines suggested in my question?
Yes, certainly.