Vol. 392 No. 9
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the present position regarding sheep dipping regulations, in particular, in County Cavan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the time allowed for dipping in Cavan is six weeks, that is, from 15 September to 31 October; and if, in view of the huge increase in sheep numbers in the county and in view of the fact that there are only two dipping apparatuses in the county, this time could be extended.
70.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, in view of the short time available for dipping sheep and of the very limited dipping facilities in the Cavan area, if farmers will be penalised with regard to their subsidy payments for not having dipped by the set date.
71.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if subsidies for sheep will be paid to farmers in County Cavan if they have dipping certificates dated after 31 October or proof that they did actually dip after this date.
I propose to take Questions nos. 69, 70 and 71 together.
My Department advised all local authorities to fix a uniform six-week sheep dipping period from 15 September to 31 October to improve the effectiveness of the sheep dipping programme. Where it has not been found possible, because of special circumstances prevailing, to dip all sheep properly within that six-week period, I am prepared to consult with the local authority about a short extension of time.
An extension as indicated would enable flockowners to obtain the proof of dipping required for sheep subsidy payments.
