asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the many complaints from residents, including private persons and traders, in the Ringsend, Pearse Street, and other city areas, about the serious problem of rat infestation in the city, he has satisfied himself as to the adequacy of the efforts of the rat infestation section of Dublin Corporation in dealing with this objectionable and dangerous menace to public health and food supplies, and, if not, if he will recommend that more energetic steps be taken by them to deal with the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rat Infestation in Dublin.
I am not aware that any complaints have been received from the Ringsend, Pearse Street and other city areas about rat infestation.
From inquiries which I have made, I understand that two complaints of rat infestation were received by Dublin Corporation in the last month from the Ringsend area, and were dealt with by the Rodent Control Service.
The corporation are the authority responsible for enforcing the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, in the city and, from the information at my disposal. I am satisfied that they have been actively engaged in securing compliance with its provisions. The Act places responsibility for disinfecting premises on the occupiers, but in difficult cases, the corporation themselves frequently arrange disinfestation. A special staff is employed permanently to eradicate rats from sewers, dumps, etc., in the city area.
If the Deputy will furnish details of instances of serious rat infestation of premises in Dublin City, I shall arrange to have them investigated.