asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if horses, half-bred and draughts, are classified as farm animals; and if the EC will be introducing a subsidy for the entire country to encourage half-bred breeding and the preservation of the Irish draught mare which is now, by internationally accepted criteria, in danger of extinction.
Written Answers. - Horse Breeding.
123.
Equines are classified as farm animals and are eligible for headage payments under the disadvantaged areas schemes.
I am not aware that the EC Commission has made any proposal to introduce a subsidy on equines throughout the entire country under those schemes or otherwise.