asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how the Government propose to handle warble fly eradication during 1971.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Warble Fly Eradication.
36.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if it is Government policy to completely eradicate the warble fly; and, if so, what the target date for eradication is.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
It is in the interests of all concerned that the warble fly should be eradicated with the least possible delay.
If the farming organisations and AI stations are prepared to formulate and operate a comprehensive dressing scheme next autumn based on the cost of dressing being met by herdowners as in the case of previous campaigns and having the full and active support of all parties concerned, I will be prepared to introduce any necessary supporting legislation.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that it would be a great help to this scheme if the Department were prepared to make some contribution towards the cost of dressing the animals? Would he further state whether the Government have set a target date for the eradication of the warble fly?
We are most anxious to have the warble fly eradicated, but it is not a simple matter. We shall have to get the co-operation of all concerned if the scheme is to be a success. There is no question of having the warble fly completely eradicated at any particular point in time.
Would the Department consider making a contribution towards the cost of dressing the animals?
In this instance the cost falling on the farmer is very small considering the amount he has to gain by having the warble fly eradicated.
The amount would also be small on the Department.