asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the very high mortality of live stock that has occurred in County Clare, and if he will state whether he has made any provision with a view to enabling farmers to replenish their supplies of cattle, particularly their heifer stocks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Mortality in Clare.
As a result of inquiries in the matter, I see no reason to suppose that mortality among live stock in Clare was more evident recently than in previous years. I am satisfied that, in addition to the adoption of preventive and curative measures against liver fluke disease, farmers should pay more attention to the housing and feeding of their stock if they are to avoid the continuance of the losses from which they suffer. During February last a veterinary surgeon gave a course of 18 lectures in the county which dealt with these questions. These lectures were well attended and I hope will prove of considerable benefit.
The Dairy Disposal Company, through the agency of their creameries in the county, are advancing loans to milk suppliers for the purchase of stock.
A scheme of loans for the purchase of heifers has been adopted by the Agricultural Credit Corporation and advertisements of it have appeared in the Press.
Arising out of the Minister's reply is he aware that, if the farmers in Clare adopt his advice with regard to providing better houses for their live stock, as soon as the housing is provided a valuer will come along, value the new houses and raise the poor law valuation? The probability of persuading the valuer not to raise the valuation is no greater than was the probability of the tenants on the Clanricarde estate persuading Clanricarde that the rents should not be raised because of their improvements?
The only thing I can say against that is that some farmers do improve their holdings.