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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jul 1972

Vol. 262 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - AI Service.

41.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the percentage of the bulls initially chosen for the AI service which are culled on the basis of their progeny tests.

On average, the percentage of AI dairy bulls so culled is 75.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell me the position in relation to non-dairy bulls? I asked about bulls generally.

Yes. The Deputy is referring to beef bulls?

Beef bulls are selected on their weight and development at age and on their conformation and, as the characteristics of beef bulls are more strongly inherited than in dairy breeds, the performance testing is a reasonably reliable guide.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell me if beef bulls are progeny tested?

Yes. There is a scheme of progeny testing at present which is being operated by the AI stations.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary, then, in the light of that fact, answer the question I asked by telling me what proportion of the beef bulls which are progeny tested are culled as a result of the test?

That is a separate question.

That is precisely the question I asked and it was not answered because the answer referred to dairy bulls.

The Deputy has asked so many supplementary questions. The Deputy is allowed by the Chair to put a certain number of supplementaries and then the Chair calls the next question. Perhaps the Deputy is not aware of that procedure in the House.

Would the Chair please protect Deputies in ensuring that questions they put down are answered and that the Parliamentary Secretary does not just select what he will answer?

That is what I am doing. I am trying to protect Deputies.

I have asked for information in relation to beef bulls which I am entitled to get.

Will the Deputy please resume his seat? The Chair is protecting Deputies. Questions are on the Order Paper for the last three weeks and are being delayed by these unnecessary supplementaries by Deputy Bruton.

I will decide whether they are unnecessary or not.

And the Chair will decide whether they will be replied to or not.

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