asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the present scarcity of pigs and of the need to increase both pig production and the agricultural employment resulting therefrom, he will introduce a scheme of grants for pig breeding on the lines of the present scheme for in-calf heifers, particularly in the Western counties and undeveloped areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Breeding Grants.
30.
I do not consider such a scheme necessary, particularly in view of the assurance available to pig producers in the form of the guaranteed minimum prices for suitable pigs.
Pig production is, of course, increasing and under the Second Programme for Economic Expansion future policy will be aimed at securing a substantially higher level of pig output by 1970 than at present.
What leads the Minister to say that pig production is increasing?
Because it is.
I think the Minister is mistaken.
There was a fall but the latest figures show that production is increasing.
We shall provide the Minister with an opportunity of going into the figures in detail.
I shall relish the encounter.