asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will cause inquiries to be made into the export of milch cows; and if, in order to keep up supplies of milk and butter, he will prohibit the export of milch cows until such time as he can guarantee to the citizens that there will be a supply of milk and butter available to meet reasonable requirements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Milch Cows.
The position with regard to supplies of dairy stock is being kept constantly under review. As a means of ensuring that adequate stocks are available in this country, the export of milch cows and in-calf cows and heifers is controlled. It is not proposed to prohibit export, as this trade is a useful incentive to breeders to retain additional heifers for breeding purposes.
I will not ask the Minister to prohibit the export of milch cows; I merely ask him to limit the export so as to ensure that our own people will have adequate supplies of milk and butter. It would be advisable to consider that aspect before any excessive number of milch cows are exported.
The export of cows has been, in fact, limited for some time. So far as my own view is concerned, I do not think any form of prohibition will in any way serve the purpose the Deputy would appear to have in mind.
I do not want a prohibition in relation to their export, but merely to see that our own requirements will first be served.
On what basis are licences issued?
What does the Deputy mean?
The Minister mentioned that the export of cows and heifers is controlled. How are the numbers regulated? Is it on the basis of last year's shipments?
I am aware of the number of licences issued, and I may say that in many cases these licences are not taken up.
How are they distributed to the trade?
Through the Cattle Traders' Association.
They determine who gets them?
Yes, they determine who gets them. Surely, a Deputy with your knowledge should have known that?
Will the Minister make every effort to see that home requirements will get first preference? I have very little knowledge of the matter beyond what I have been told by the experts.
Can the Minister say whether the export of milch cows has been responsible for the drop of over 9 per cent. in the production of creamery butter last year?
The Minister does not think that it had a ha'porth to do with it.