asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the total number of horses aged four years and over and suitable for agricultural work, and (b) the number under the age of four years that could be regarded as suitable for such work, in this country on the 31st December, 1947, and the 31st December, 1950, in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Draught Horses.
The precise information required by the Deputy is not available, but it may be stated that the total number of horses and ponies in the country on the 1st June, 1947, was 438,341 of which 349,620 were being used for agricultural purposes. The corresponding numbers on the 1st June, 1950, were 390,613 and 317,304 respectively. Out of a total of 401,992 horses and ponies in the country on the 1st June, 1949, 55,421 were under three years of age. On that date 326,052 horses and ponies were being used for agricultural purposes.