asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state what further steps have been taken by his Department to have applied to Cavan the live stock schemes which are in operation in the areas scheduled as the congested districts.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LIVE STOCK SCHEMES IN CAVAN.
Mr. HOGAN
The funds voted for special live stock and other schemes for the statutory congested districts cannot be applied to County Cavan, which is not a scheduled congested area. The live stock schemes in County Cavan are administered through the County Committee of Agriculture, and under these schemes considerable developments have taken place in the last few years. For example, the number of premium bulls in the county in 1925 and 1926 were, respectively, 22 and 28, while this year the number is 36. The number of premium boars has similarly increased from 17 and 35 respectively in 1925 and 1926 to 39 this season. I understand that the County Committee of Agriculture are initiating a sheep-breeding scheme this year, and it is probable that a number of rams will be located in the poorer areas. The needs of farmers in County Cavan can be adequately met by a further extension of the existing schemes.