asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has taken any steps to find an alternative market for the big surplus of stall-fed cattle that will be left on the hands of the farmers when the British quota has been filled up, and, if so, when he hopes to be in a position to inform farmers of his plans relative thereto.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Stall-fed Cattle.
Dr. Ryan
I have nothing to add to my reply to a similar question by the Deputy on 31st ultimo. The matter is still receiving full consideration.
Is the Minister aware that many farmers in his own constituency are running short of roots and hay? What will happen to these men's cattle in a few weeks' time when their supplies of roots and hay are used up? How does the Minister propose to help them? The Minister must be aware that turning out stall-fed cattle on the grass in the month of March is rather a serious thing. I would be thankful to the Minister now if he could get that alternative market for us.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, can he say what percentages of licences are given with respect to the cattle that are ready for sale now?
That question has nothing to do with the question of licences.
Dr. Ryan
I want to reply to Deputy Keating's supplementary question. I am not aware that certain feeders are running short of feeding stuffs. The information of the Department is that the supply of feeding stuffs in the country generally is more than usual this year.
I am sorry to inform the Minister that that is not so, and I know more about his constituency than he does. Roots are getting scarce and the majority of the farmers will be out of roots in two or three weeks' time. What is the Minister's alternative then?