asked the Minister for Agriculture whether in the Gaeltacht areas of County Clare the price of day-old chicks has been increased by 2/- a dozen, and, if so, if he will state the factors which justified this increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Chicks in Clare Gaeltacht.
I am aware that day-old chicks are being offered for delivery in several parts of the country, including the areas mentioned by the Deputy, at prices somewhat higher than those which prevailed this time last year. As, however, the prices charged by hatcheries for day-old chicks are not officially controlled, I am not in a position to reply to the latter part of the Deputy's question.
Under the special scheme for the distribution of day-old chicks in certain Gaeltacht districts, residents in parts of County Clare may obtain "as hatched" day-old chicks at a specially reduced price of 10/- per dozen, which is approximately 50 per cent. of the price charged by the suppliers of the chicks.