asked the Minister for Agriculture the total amount of money spent on the importation of pedigree livestock annually since 1960; the total amount of money spent since the foundation of the State; the specific details, breeds imported into the country each year since 1960; the amount of money spent in promoting each individual breed annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pedigree Livestock.
700.
The information sought with respect to the amount of money spent on the importation of pedigree livestock annually since 1960 and since the foundation of the State is not compiled by my Department and could only be provided by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and effort.
Figures regarding the numbers of pedigree livestock for each breed imported into the country since 1960 are published in the annual reports of the Minister for Agriculture, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Total numbers of pedigree livestock imported (excluding Northern Ireland) during the 1961-83 (inclusive) period were 3,714 cattle, 1.156 sheep, 424 pigs and 45 goats.
Figures for expenditure on breed improvement are not available on an individual breed basis. Total expenditure on livestock breeding improvement (inclusive of AI subsidy) will exceed £12 million for the two year period 1983-84. The importation of superior pedigree livestock, subject of course to animal health consideration, will continue to remain an important element of the genetic improvement of our livestock industry.