asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the number of live horses exported in the last financial year for which figures are available, and (b) the estimated number of horses in the State at the latest date for which figures are available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Horses Exported and in the State.
4.
As far as practicable a distinction is made in the External Trade Statistics between (1) horses permanently exported, (2) horses temporarily exported and (3) horses re-exported after temporary import. As regards (a) of the Deputy's question I propose, with the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing the number of live horses exported during the year ended 31st March, 1959, in each of these categories and according to the headings in the Official Export List.
It should be pointed out however that the distinction made between permanent and temporary exports cannot always be relied upon as it is not always possible to say definitely at the time of export in which category a particular animal should be included.
With regard to (b) of the Deputy's question the estimated number of horses in the State, according to the Agricultural Statistics Enumeration, was 233,300 at 1st June, 1959, the latest date for which this information is available.
Following is the statement:—
NUMBERS of Live Horses (including Ponies) Exported in the period 1st April, 1958 to 31st March, 1959.
|
Description |
Permanently Exported |
Temporarily Exported |
Re-exported after Temporary Import |
|
Number |
Number |
Number |
|
|
Horses including ponies: |
|||
|
Bloodstock: |
|||
|
Stallions |
11 |
3 |
4 |
|
Colts |
604 |
80 |
11 |
|
Mares |
359 |
450 |
479 |
|
Fillies |
618 |
62 |
21 |
|
Geldings |
633 |
330 |
423 |
|
Total Bloodstock |
2,225 |
925 |
938 |
|
Other than Bloodstock |
14,256 |
83 |
197 |
|
Grand Total |
16,480 |
1,008 |
1,135 |
Would the Parliamentary Secretary be in a position to say how many dead horses have been exported in carcase form under the terms of the electoral promise, with special reference to the Tánaiste's constituency, that his Party made at the last general election?
The information relative to dead horses is asked for in a later question.
The question deals with the export of live horses only.