asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the great shortage in the country of suitable sows for pig breeding; and that the Pigs and Bacon Commission cannot supply sows on order without delay and cannot provide them at a low cost to the farmers; if he will allow the import under licence of suitable sows from Northern Ireland so as to improve stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Sows for Pig Breeding.
17.
I am not aware of great shortage in this country of suitable sows for pig breeding. While I understand that the Pigs and Bacon Commission cannot provide sows on the spot to meet all requirements under their Sow Distribution Scheme, this is a temporary situation due to the fact that only sows from accredited herds are now being supplied. The sows are supplied by the Pigs and Bacon Commission on easy payment terms, which is the primary purpose of the scheme.
Licences are given to a limited extent considered appropriate for the import of suitable sows from Northern Ireland.
Has the Minister any information about the number of accredited herds from which these sows can be obtained?
The number is gradually increasing.
Surely the Minister must have had complaints from time to time of the failure of farmers to obtain suitable sows when required?
When the Pigs and Bacon Commission reviewed their scheme so as to provide for the supply of gilts only from accredited herds, they were naturally limiting the field of supply. For some time, therefore, the demand for that type of pig will be fairly keen. As a result, there is difficulty in getting them at the moment.
The Minister feels that within 12 months or so they will be in plentiful supply?
The number of accredited pig herds is growing week by week.