asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of a proposal to close the local AI stations in Westport and Claremorris, County Mayo and of the very great inconvenience and inefficiency this will lead to; and the action he proposes to take to ensure that farmers in the region have a proper service available for their herds.
Written Answers . - Mayo AI Stations .
406.
: I am aware that the North Western Cattle Breeding Society Limited plans to reduce, temporarily, the number of substations receiving calls in its operational area. This is an economy measure taken due to the seasonal fall in the level of inseminations. About 75 per cent of the society's inseminations are carried out by the end of July.
I have been assured that there will be no reduction in the level or range of services provided and that it is intended to re-open the affected substations next spring.