asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any plans to reverse the rapid drop that is taking place in sheep numbers.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Sheep Breeding.
21.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if in view of the serious decline in sheep numbers he will consider introducing a scheme of subsidies in respect of ewe-hoggets.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.
Under the Mountain Lamb Subsidy Scheme the rate of subsidy was increased last year from 10/- to £1 per head, with payments to farmers amounting to over £365,000. With effect from 25th November, 1968, there were substantial increases in the maximum rates of grant under the Mountain Fencing and Mountain Grazings Schemes. I will shortly be bringing into operation improved marketing arrangements for wool. Exports of carcase mutton and lamb to Britain are supported under the Export Guarantee Scheme, payments being specially weighted to encourage increased marketings of lamb in the early months of the year when prices are at their highest level. All these measures are designed to encourages sheep production and I am examining the position to see what further steps it may be possible to take to increase production.
23.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if in view of the existing uncertainty it is intended to continue the payment of mountain-lamb subsidies for a minimum period of five years.
I see no reason why payment of mountain-lamb subsidy should not be continued, as suggested, subject, of course, to the voting of the necessary funds by Dáil Éireann.