Vol. 412 No. 5
131 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a scarcity of farriers at present and that there is no training course at present for the training of farriers; and if he proposed taking steps to rectify the situation.
The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association have established a new farrier apprenticeship scheme similar to the scheme formerly operated by Bord na gCapall.
I am, however, aware that there may be certain problems in relation to the provision of farriery services in particular parts of the country. This matter is currently being examined by the Horse Breeding Advisory Committee and I am awaiting their recommendations.
