asked the Minister for Agriculture if he feels that sufficient activity in sheep-breeding is being carried on by the Agricultural Institute.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheep-Breeding.
9.
I am informed that the Institute have a considerable amount of sheep research work already in hand and are arranging to expand the programme appreciably.
Arising out of the reply, and in no sense attacking the Minister on this matter, does the Minister feel that the number of university graduates involved in sheep research work is adequate? Does it not seem rather incongruous that in fact 15 graduates are involved in horticultural research work and only two on sheep research considering that we have a tremendous potential in the export of lamb?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that it is the responsibility of those concerned in that Institute, the council and the director, to determine all these matters of policy. As far as I personally know, apart altogether from the assurances I have received, I am satisfied that the Institute is and has been from the beginning keenly interested in the matter of sheep-breeding and development.
Does the Minister not agree that it is absolutely necessary, considering the great potential we have for the export of lamb not only to Britain but to Europe in future, that every effort should be made to get the type of lamb we require and that a proportion of two graduates assigned to that work in relation to 15 on other less important work is hardly correct?
I have no responsibility for the distribution of staff so far as the Institute is concerned but I know from my contacts with those who have that responsibility that they have been keenly aware of the importance of this matter and judging from all the activities and the distribution of these activities, I feel that they are going ahead with the work energetically.