asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the Friesian bulls at the Castleisland artificial insemination centre were removed without the knowledge of the local farmers, and that, as a result, serious hardship has been imposed on the progressive farmers in that area, who wish to grade up their low yielding cows; and if, in view of the fact that these farmers are contributing through their milk supply to the upkeep of the centre, he will arrange to have the bulls returned as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withdrawal of Friesian Bulls.
It was found necessary recently to remove these bulls to the Clonakilty main station to meet a relatively much greater and more regular demand for Friensian semen in the area of that station at which use of the existing bulls had to be reduced, but arrangements were made at the same time that the Castleisland station would be provided in return with supplies of Friesian semen on a continuous basis sufficient to meet any requirements there. Hence no hardship has been imposed on stock-owners in the area served by the Castleisland station as a result of the transfer of location of the bulls.