asked the Minister for Agriculture the plans, if any, to set up an equine research centre in this country in view of the value of this industry to the economy.

My Department's veterinary research laboratory carry out valuable research projects on equine diseases and a large volume of other equine work including that of a diagnostic and investigational nature for the horse industry. Facilities of the latter nature are also provided by the Department's five regional laboratories.

As to the future, the only change I envisage is that, as provided for under section 18 of An Chomhairle Oiliúna Talmhaiochta Bill, 1978, the function of basic veterinary research is being assigned to An Foras Talúntais. Equine research not of a veterinary nature is already a function of An Foras Talúntais.