asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider instituting a scheme for the supply to farmers in the counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan of large Irish white sows and boars, the money for their purchase to be advanced the farmers on chattel mortgage with a Government guarantee at 2½ per cent. or current bank rates by the joint stock banks.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Sows and Boars to Farmers.
I am satisfied that there is no shortage of Irish large white boars in the counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan and that the existing schemes for the improvement of swine breeding ensure that boars of this breed sufficient to meet the needs of pig breeders will be available in these counties.
It is only as an exceptional measure that my Department has undertaken to supply sows and then only in congested districts. I do not consider that present circumstances would justify the adoption in the counties above mentioned of special measures of the nature indicated in the Deputy's question.