asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the recent heavy losses in the sheep population, he will prohibit the slaughter of all ewe lambs of the present season.

I do not propose to take any steps to prohibit the slaughter of ewe lambs.

Is the Minister not aware that thousands of sheep are lost and that the sheep population is nearly exhausted, just like the pig industry? It has gone to hell altogether. Does the Minister not intend to help to get a sheep population again?

I never thought Deputy Keating was so fond of imposing prohibition on the farmers as he has shown himself to be in the last few months.

When I heard of the appointment of the present Minister for Agriculture I said to myself "Thank God, we will have a practical man now." However, I am afraid that he knows nothing.