asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is intended to promote the greater use of concentrate feeding in animal husbandry.

As the Deputy will appreciate it is not permissible under EEC regulations to give State aids for animal feed. Agricultural advisers in the course of their normal duties advise farmers on the use of concentrates for animal feed as supplements to hay and silage and I believe this is the best way of dealing with the matter. Also in the tillage and grass conservation promotional campaigns conducted by my Department, the use of home-grown cereals to supplement silage and hay is encouraged.

The increased use of concentrates in recent years indicates a growing awareness by farmers of the benefits of balanced feeding practices in animal husbandry.