asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the cost of the dressing for the destruction of the warble fly will press heavily on farmers, many of whom are now in financial difficulties, and whether, in the circumstances, and in view of the fact that the destruction of the pest is of national importance, he will consider the question of supplying the dressing free or at a nominal cost to the local committees of agriculture for distribution to the farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Warble Fly Dressing.
I cannot agree that the cost of the preparation for the destruction of warbles will press heavily on farmers. If the preparation is applied carefully and without waste, it should not cost, on an average, more than 1½d. per animal for each dressing. The destruction of warbles is of prime importance to farmers themselves, and I cannot recommend that a contribution towards the small cost involved be made from public funds.
Is the Minister aware that there is a big discrepancy between the cost of dressing for the destruction of the warble fly in the case of a beast in England and in this country, and can he explain why there should be such a difference?
Dr. Ryan
I am not aware of that fact.
Will the Minister indicate what advantage accrues to the farmer for dressing beasts for the warble fly? What additional profit can he hope to make out of a beast dressed for warble fly?
That is a separate question.