asked the Taoiseach if he will state the estimated number of stud farms in the State, their estimated acreage, and the estimated number of persons employed on them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stud Farms.
Stud farms are not separately distinguished from other farms in the agricultural statistics, but it is estimated that there are about 750 farms on which one or more thoroughbred horses are kept. The number of specialist stud farms included in this total is rather less than 70 and their estimated total area is about 40,000 acres. A specialist stud farm in this context means a holding which is primarily utilised for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, and which is specially equipped in regard to buildings and paddocks for that purpose. Farms at which a few mares are kept for breeding but which are primarily used for other forms of agricultural activity are not regarded as specialist stud farms. No reliable estimate of the number of persons engaged on these farms is, I regret, available.