Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Oct 1965

Vol. 218 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turkey Production.

61.

Mr. Sweetman

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that the number of turkey poults sold this year by licensed hatcheries was 84 per cent more than in 1964; and that notwithstanding such increase the Central Statistics Office figures show a decrease of about 12 per cent in turkeys under six months old at June this year; and what percentage of the 84 per cent of this season's heavily subsidised sales consisted of poults which were purchased directly or indirectly by residents of the Six Northern Counties.

62.

Mr. O.J. Flanagan

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that the number of turkey poults sold this year by licensed hatcheries was about 84 per cent more than in 1964; and that notwithstanding such increase this year the Central Statistics Office figures show a decrease of about 12 per cent in turkeys under six months old at June this year; and if he will state in order the five most important reasons why the turkey numbers are down this year despite the greatly increased sales of turkey poults which were heavily subsidised.

Mr. Haughey

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 62 together. I am aware that while sales of turkey poults by licensed hatcheries increased very substantially this year the preliminary census figure for June showed the reduction mentioned in the number of turkeys under 6 months old. The reduction occurred in the numbers bred through turkey cock stations and by private flock owners. The bonus introduced in 1965 on sales of turkey poults by licensed hatcheries applied only to poults sold on the home market for rearing and fattening on the purchasers' premises. No licences have been issued during the year for the export of turkey poults to the Six Counties.