asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the steps he has taken or is about to take to obtain outlets in France for Irish breeding cattle for reproductive purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Breeding Cattle Exports.
32.
So far there has been no demand in France for breeding stock from this country but should any worthwhile opportunity to export arise, full advantage will be taken of it.
Is the Minister aware that an agreement was reached between the British and the French in respect of the reciprocal exchange of breeding stock? We are buying substantial numbers of Charollais and, possibly, other French cattle for breeding purposes. Therefore, should we not ask the French to consider buying some breeding stock from us?
There have been no inquiries that I am aware of from the French breeders for Irish breeding cattle. As the Deputy is aware, the size of the pedigree herd in Britain is very many times greater than ours. The last occasion on which any pedigree stock was exported from this country was about 1969 when some cattle were sent to, I think, Sweden. There is no existing export trade in pedigree stock but if any possibilities in that regard offer, they will be taken up immediately.
Is the Minister aware that the exchange of pedigree cattle was the subject of discussion between the British and French Ministers? Should he not at least consider raising this question at the next meeting of Ministers?
I am aware that such discussions took place.