asked the Minister for Agriculture what steps have been taken to develop an export trade in broilers, referred to in paragraph 45 of the Programme for Economic Expansion, with particular reference to the potentialities of the Dairy Disposal Company, Limited, at their premises at Lansdowne, Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Trade in Broilers.
13.
Birds of the special broiler strains imported from the U.S.A. have been made available by my Department in sufficient numbers to meet all the requirements of breeders. It is estimated that the output of broilers by commercial producers is now about 250,000 birds a quarter.
The Dairy Disposal Company, Limited, is arranging to engage in the production of broilers for export. The selection of premises for the purpose is a matter for the Company.
My Department has also discussed with the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society the question of cooperative societies entering this trade to a greater extent.
That is very satisfactory.
Perhaps the Minister would consider completing the information available to Deputy O'Malley by telling him that these strains of fowl suitable for this trade were brought in by the previous Government?
That does not enter into the question.
I always feel quite relieved to know that so much work was done in agriculture before my time that there is really nothing left for me to do.
Perhaps Deputy O'Malley will note that?
Is the Minister aware that we did not see any of Deputy Dillon's strange fowl in Limerick?
He has seen them now. I am grateful to the Deputy for drawing attention to them.