asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) the number of turkey cock stations which were in operation during January to May inclusive in 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963, (b) the number of services by station cock turkeys which were recorded as having been given during January to May inclusive for the same period, and (c) the average number of turkeys reared to killing age from each natural hatch of turkey eggs for each of the four years 1960 to 1963.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey Production.
8.
The reply is in the form of a tabular statement which, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to have circulated with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
|
Year |
Number of turkey cock stations in operation |
Total number of turkey hens served |
|
1960 |
1,384 |
41,678 |
|
1961 |
1,276 |
37,450 |
|
1962 |
1,155 |
32,731 |
|
1963 |
1,011 |
27,804 |
NOTE: Exact figures are not available for the average number of turkeys reared to killing age from each natural hatch of turkey eggs, but the number is estimated at 10-12 for a typical hatch.
9.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if the annual production of turkeys in the State in each of the years 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963, derived from the services of cock turkeys not owned by either turkey station holders, breeder hatchery owners or commercial hatchery owners, exceeds two and a half per cent of the Republic's total annual production in any of these years; and, if so, by what percentage in each year.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available.
10.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied that all turkey-producing areas in the State are supplied with ample turkey cock stations under the supervision of local poultry instructors employed by county committees of agriculture; and that the average traditional type turkey rearer who does not buy poults makes full use of the local turkey cock station when arranging for the seasonal servicing of his own or other hen turkeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The turkey cock stations scheme was operated in 1963 in all counties except one and I am satisfied that ample facilities are available in these counties. Turkey rearers are, of course, under no compulsion to use the stations but, in fact, they do make considerable use of them.