asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has taken cognisance of the wide-spread damage being done to corn crops throughout the Irish Free State by rabbits, and if he is prepared to consider the question of giving a bounty on the export of dead rabbits so as to encourage the destruction of these rodents, which at present are causing severe losses to farmers throughout the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Bounty on Rabbits.
The question of paying a bounty on the export of dead rabbits is receiving consideration.
Is the Minister aware that it is more than twelve months ago since he gave a similar reply to a similar question and that the condition of things has become very much worse since then?
Dr. Ryan
It is still being considered.
And the country is being ruined.
Have the Department any proposal to put forward in connection with this matter? It is a very serious matter for farmers whose corn is over-run with rabbits. I know that letters have been sent to the Department asking for information as to the best thing to do to eradicate these pests. It is a very serious matter and the Minister should not treat it lightly.
Dr. Ryan
I am not treating it lightly.
If it is going to be considered for another few months all the damage will have been done.
It has become so serious that it should be taken out of the hands of the Minister for Agriculture and handed over to the Minister for Defence.