asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has under consideration any plan for saving the horse-breeding industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Horse-Breeding Industry.
The answer is in the affirmative.
In view of that very gratifying answer, can we have some indication as to what the plan is?
Produce the plan.
Can the Minister say whether he has verified the figures quoted on a question by Deputy Keating a month or so ago to the effect that the Irish farmers had lost income to the amount of about £400,000 on the export of horses to Great Britain during the first three months of this year?
Dr. Ryan
I am informed that there is no foundation whatever for these figures.
Are we to understand that the figures quoted in the British trade statistics are incorrect? Will the Minister refer to these figures, showing that over £400,000 was paid for horses imported from Ireland in the first three months of last year, and that about £49,000 was paid in respect of horses imported for the first three months of this year? Will the Minister examine the implications of those figures?
Dr. Ryan
That is a different question altogether from what the Deputy stated—that Irish farmers had lost £400,000 on horses during the first three months of this year.
The income from the sale of horses to Great Britain is down by over £400,000 for the first three months of this year.
Dr. Ryan
That is a different thing altogether.
Is it not material to the Irish farmer?
Racehorses.