asked the Minister for Agriculture whether a cops of a resolution passed by the Kerry Cattle Traders' Association regarding the serious effects arising from the close inbreeding of sheep has been received by his Department; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inbreeding of Sheep.
A communication was received in November last from the Kerry Cattle Traders' Association regarding the question of inbreeding of sheep in Kerry, and suggesting that 200 rams be imported from Scotland for distribution in the county. In reply I told tbe association on 27th November, 1950, that 126 rams, including 47 imported rams, had already been located in 1950 on special terms in County Kerry. This was almost double the number (73) located in 1949.
Would the Minister receive a deputation from the Kerry Cattle Traders' Association in regard to this matter?
I am at present locating in, Kerry all the rams that I can get the Kerry people to accept. I would suggest to the Deputy that sheep breeding can be promoted quite as effectively by bringing rams from East Tipperary as by bringing them from West Scotland.
It is not the question of number we are concerned with as the question of quality. The Kerry Cattle Traders' Association have asked the Minister to receive a deputation and perhaps he will consider doing so.
If the Deputy wishes I shall carefully consider his request but I am not giving any undertaking unequivocally at present to receive a deputation.