asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the numbers of milk-yielding cows in the Twenty-SixCounties in the years 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925 and 1926; (b) how many of those cows were in the dairying districts; (c) the number of gallons of milk delivered to creameries in those districts; and (d) the average yield per cow; and, further, if he will give corresponding information for each of the years 1948 to 1953.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dairying Industry Statistics.
While the precise information asked for by the Deputy is not available under all headings, I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the available statistics which are considered relevant. Comparative figures for 1953 are not yet available.
Following is the statement:—
STATEMENT showing (i) the total number of milch cows in the country; (ii) the total number of milch cows in "creamery" counties; (iii) the total quantity of milk delivered to creameries and (iv) the estimated average yield of milk per milch cow in certain years.
Year |
Total number of milch cows in the country |
Total number of milch cows in “creamery” counties |
Total quantity of milk delivered to creameries |
Estimated annual average yield of milk per milch cow |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
|
No. |
No. |
Gals.(000) |
Gals. |
|
1922 |
1,289,407 |
(e) |
(e) |
(e) |
1923 |
1,269,431 |
(e) |
(e) |
(e) |
1924 |
1,261,452 |
(e) |
(e) |
(e) |
1925 |
1,183,456 |
932,911 |
(e) |
(e) |
1926 |
1,183,802 |
930,457 |
160,921 |
416 |
1948 |
1,133,663 |
863,220 |
169,936 |
396 |
1949 |
1,175,566 |
896,248 |
206,733 |
418 |
1950 |
1,208,508 |
922,951 |
222,973 |
425 |
1951 |
1,189,380 |
909,545 |
206,242 |
408 |
1952 |
1,159,326 |
885,870 |
209,316(f) |
413 |
NOTES.
(a)The figures refer to the numbers on the 1st June in each year. For the years 1922, 1923 and 1924 the numbers are estimates based on sample returns.
(b)For the purpose of the statement the following have been regarded as “creamery” counties— Kilkenny, Laoighis, Wexford, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan.
(c)Quantities of milk delivered to central creameries and cream-separating stations registered under the Dairy Produce Act, 1924.
(d)Averages obtained by dividing estimated total milk production by the total number of milch cows in the country on the 1st June.
(e)Not available.
(f)Subject to revision.