asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will take steps to control the slaughter or export of heifers and milch cows owing to the very low population of young cattle in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slaughter of Cattle.
The Deputy is mistaken in believing that the trend in cattle population is disquieting. There was a steady and deplorable decline in the numbers for the four years ending 1947, but in 1948 they number 852,725, which shows an upward trend, and what is more encouraging, the number of in-calf heifers is 128,247, the highest since such statistics were first recorded in Ireland.