asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the serious depredations being caused to crops and grass throughout the country by rabbits; and, if so, if he will state what steps he proposes to take to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damage Caused by Rabbits.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the very serious loss caused to farmers and to the community generally by the excessive number of rabbits in the country; and if his Department will take steps to exterminate these vermin.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
Reports reaching my Department would indicate that rabbits are again becoming a serious problem in certain areas.
I have always regarded the control of the rabbit pest as being essentially a matter for local action; and in areas where damage is being done to crops I would expect the farmers themselves to join together in a systematic and persistent effort aimed at the wholesale destruction of the pest. Advice as to control measures is available to farmers through the local officers of my Department and of the county committees of agriculture.
In other words, the Minister can do nothing about it.
Oh, I can by exhortation and assistance.
That will not stop the rabbits.
You would be surprised.