asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the steps he intends to take to prevent a shortage of cattle next year.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Numbers.
18.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on the possibility of redundancies in meat processing factories through a shortage of cattle in 1976; and the steps he is taking to avert this situation.
20.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the serious drop in cattle numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 19 and 20 together.
While disposals of cattle this year have been unusually high, this has resulted from the carryover of large stocks from 1974 and the removal of cows which had been retained beyond the normal culling stage. The overall cattle supply situation is very sound and it is expected that disposals during 1976 will again be at a satisfactory level. The beef market has strengthened significantly and the future outlook for beef is now very promising. Farmers should therefore have every confidence in continuing to expand production.