asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider granting some form of compensation to persons who were engaged in the sale, export or trapping of rabbits, and who have now lost their means of livelihood as a result of the spread of myxomatosis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Myxomatosis Compensation.
I do not consider there is any ground to justify the payment of compensation from public funds in the circumstances mentioned by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that many persons have been deprived of their livelihood as a result of the spread of this disease, particularly persons engaged as trappers on Government land?
I have no doubt that the substantial reduction in the number of rabbits consequent on the spread of myxomatosis has deprived them of their livelihood, but I do not think it would be appropriate to suggest that they should be compensated out of public funds in the situation that has so arisen.