asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, to facilitate and encourage the complete eradication of sheep scab in this country, he will pay a special subsidy to all flock owners in respect of all sheep presented for winter dipping.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheep Scab Eradication.
30.
The periodic dipping of sheep against sheep scab ought to be to sheepowners a matter of ordinary good husbandry. The cost to the sheepowners of dipping is so small in relation to the value of sheep and the benefits from dipping that I can see no justification for the payment of a subsidy as suggested by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware of the grave concern that exists in certain regions regarding the effect on the industry of sheep scab? Also, is he aware that it is the opinion of flock owners that the only way in which sheep scab can be eliminated is by the provision of a State subsidy for dipping in the winter dipping period?
If farmers are not prepared to spend 3p to have each sheep dipped I cannot understand the concern to which the Deputy refers. I am assured that 3p is the average cost of dipping per sheep.
That is not the point.
Has the Deputy a question?
The Minister misunderstands the question completely. What we want to ensure is that sheep scab is eliminated completely.
I wish to ensure that, too.
Is the Minister not aware that one of the prime ways of doing this is to provide a subsidy in the winter dipping season?
Question No. 31.
If farmers are not prepared to pay the 3p per sheep, we can expect they will be seeking payment for everything they have on their farms soon.
How many visits have officers of the Department paid to hill districts to ascertain whether there is sheep scab?
That is a separate question.
If the Deputy tables a question on those lines, I shall answer it.
Question No. 31 please.
There are irresponsible people who are not dipping their sheep but the Department are not taking the necessary steps in this regard.
As the Deputy is well aware, local authorities are responsible for sheep dipping.