asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the widespread depredations caused by rabbits in the country, whereby farmers and others have suffered severe losses in their crops of grain, roots, vegetables, etc., he will consider the possibility of countering this plague by the payment of a bounty on the export of rabbits so as to make it worth while for trappers and others to engage seriously on the extermination of these pests.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Depredations Caused by Rabbits.
The matter is at present under consideration, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in due course.
In view of the situation that has been created by the amount of damage that rabbits are doing, I think it is up to the Minister to come to a decision at once and not put it off with the words "in due course." I think that he should tell the House if he is in a position to do anything which would be of help in connection with this matter. I do not know whether there is a tariff on rabbits or not, but I know they were never so plentiful as they are at present, and the amount of damage they are doing is creating a desperate situation.
Would the Minister say if complaints had been received by him, before I put down this question, with regard to the abnormally extensive damage that has been done this year by rabbits, and if he has considered a scheme for dealing with it?
Dr. Ryan
There were some complaints received before the question was put down, but only a few days earlier.
I am sure the Minister will realise that this is a matter of very grave importance. In some parts of the country land has actually been poisoned by rabbits, with the result that it has been rendered unfit for any sort of pasture. The position has become desperate for market gardeners and others engaged in the growing of early vegetables. The matter is really a very serious one, and the Minister should take steps to get reports as to the amount of damage that has been done throughout the country. If the Minister makes enquiries as to the conditions that prevail all over the country, I think he will find that the position is a serious one. I can only speak for the part of the country that I know myself, and the situation there is certainly very serious.
Dr. Ryan
We are investigating the position, and I am sure we will not take very long to come to a decision.