I ask the leave of the Dáil to introduce this Bill. It aims at making provision for the regulation and improvement of bulls and other live stock for breeding. The necessity for the Bill is admitted by the various live stock associations and by the Farmers' Unions, and it aims at fulfilling a recommendation of the Agricultural Commission. The general standard of our live stock has been considerably improved in recent years by voluntary schemes, but in order to eliminate the very considerable number of unsuitable animals throughout the country, it is necessary to provide the Department of Agriculture with compulsory powers. If this Bill becomes law, no bull may be kept without a licence, and a licence would not be granted by the Department of Agriculture unless the animal reaches the approved standard. The Bill may by Order be extended to boars and rams. It is fully realised that in the existing circumstances we will find it necessary to go slowly. No undue hardship will be caused to anyone. We are aiming eventually at a very high standard, but we realise that stock-breeders must get ample time and opportunity for grading up their stock gradually. The licence fee to be charged is 5s., and there is to be an appeal to an arbitrator from any decision of the Department refusing to licence an animal. In order that the various interests may have ample time to consider the Bill, I am introducing it now, but I do not propose to ask the Dáil to consider the Second Stage until after the Recess.
Leave given to introduce the Bill.
Bill read a First Time.
Second Reading ordered for October 15.