asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will pay an extra subsidy towards A.I. services being operated in Gaeltacht areas, so as to reduce the charges to local farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Insemination Services in Gaeltacht Areas.
30.
The A.I. services throughout the country are operated on a commercial basis by creamery and liquid milk interests. Apart from other considerations, the payment of a subsidy as suggested would be detrimental to the position of bull-owners in the areas concerned. The cost of providing the A.I. service in Gaeltacht areas is in fact generally higher than in other areas of greater cow density but the charge to Gaeltacht farmers is no higher than to farmers elsewhere.