asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there are many mares in the country which are unsuitable for farm work or breeding and for which there is an export trade and, if so, if he will revoke the Order prohibiting their exportation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Mares.
I am satisfied that it is necessary to restrict the export of horses in order to maintain adequate supplies in this country, and I consider that the present arrangement under which limited facilities for the export of geldings are provided is the most appropriate means of achieving the objects in view. It is not proposed to extend these facilities so as to provide for the export of mares.
What is the use of filling the country with horses that are of no use? These mares will give us only light horses which are not wanted. What are wanted are blood horses or draft horses. Surely the Minister is not going to fill the country with more dirt.
Licences for the export of 4,000 geldings were issued last December and only 200 have been exported up to date.