asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries for whom the present courses in pig husbandry and management are intended; where they are held; and the number who participate in them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Husbandry and Management.
38.
The courses are intended for young men of suitable standard to be trained for undertaking the management of large-scale pig production enterprises. The course is based at Mellowes Agricultural College, Athenry, but also involves periods at a pig progeny testing station, at the Foras Talúntais pig husbandry department and at a large-scale commercial unit. There have been 17 participants in two courses already held.
Would the Minister not consider, in view of the fact that the bacon industry is in such a hazardous position, taking over Mungret College, Limerick, as a school for this particular type of industry?
This branch of animal husbandry is not neglected at all by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries or by the agricultural schools and I am well aware of its vital importance.
Will the Minister now take steps to ensure that health boards will follow the example of the Mid-Western Health Board where a pig husbandry farm has been instituted, consisting of something like 500 sows per year, in order to safeguard the bacon industry?
That is a separate question.
I have no responsibility for health boards, fortunately.
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 39.