Vol. 451 No. 2
27 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the effect, if any, the abolition of compulsory sheep dipping has had on the incidence of sheep scab; if his attention has been drawn to any reduction in the value of sheep as a result of the abolition of compulsory dipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6393/95]
With the abolition of compulsory preventive sheep dipping arising from a commitment in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work, there is a risk that there would be some increase in the incidence of sheep scab. However, there is no evidence available that this is the case. I do not accept that there has been a change in the value of sheep as a result of the revised policy.
The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that there is still statutory provision for the compulsory treatment of scab-infected flocks by the local authorities. As I conveyed to the House on 28 February, I am currently reviewing the arrangements for controlling the disease.
