M. J. Nolan
Question:129 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the value of ostrich farming for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7874/96]
Written Answers. - Ostrich Farming.
Ostriches were first commercially imported into Ireland in May 1994. To date approximately 972 ostriches or ostrich hatching eggs have been imported in accordance with Council Directive 90/539/EC. No premises is approved for the slaughter of ostriches in Ireland. At present the industry is largely based on sale of breeding stock.