asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that 14 acres of barley sown by a farmer near Gormanstown under contract were completely destroyed by thousands of rabbits in the area; and, if so, whether he will either introduce proposals for legislation for the granting of compensation in cases of this nature, or to subsidise efforts towards the effective destruction of these pests.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Barley Destroyed by Rabbits.
I am aware that rabbits have again become a problem in certain areas. The cause of this seems to be that the activities of trappers have tended to become restricted following the great reduction in the numbers of rabbits secured during the period of the war years. As a result of the recent reported increase in the numbers of rabbits and the attractive prices likely to continue to prevail, it is expected that trappers will be encouraged to extend their activities in the coming season and that the desired reduction in numbers will thus be secured. Should this reduction not be realised I would expect the local committees of agriculture or local groups of farmers to take action to get rid of the pests. I could not undertake to provide for the payment of compensation to growers for damage done to their crops by rabbits, as it appears to me that local action should prevent such occurrences and that the expectation of action by the Government is inconsistent with the principle of decentralisation which should govern the management of purely local affairs.