asked the Minister for Agriculture why his Department has not introduced a uniform warble fly eradication scheme for all counties in the Republic; and if he is aware that the scheme as constituted at present is unworkable.
Written Answers. - Warble Fly Eradication Scheme.
186.
The decision to confine this years compulsory warble fly eradication scheme to certain counties and part counties was taken on the basis of the relatively high level of warble infestation in these areas as revealed in the May 1981 returns of warble incidence in all counties. This line of approach was agreed in prior discussions with the main farming organisations and was in accordance with advice from the Advisory Council on Animal Health and Disease Eradication.
The Deputy will recall that, on a similar basis, County Donegal was exempted from compulsory measures last year. On the basis of reports received from the A.I. stations involved, all the indications are that the scheme has been a success.