In the absence of the Minister for Agriculture, who is engaged at Albert College, Glasnevin, to-day, I might explain the purpose of this Bill. It is to cover insurance against losses incurred by owners of animals suffering from various diseases, other than foot and mouth disease. The diseases actually covered are—tubercular, swine fever, glanders, anthrax and sheep scab. This Bill will permit the Department to increase the amount already being collected, but not more than 6d. The regulations will work out that a certain rate will be struck in a county and there will then be what might be called a national rate of an equal amount. The idea is that a disease in animals might break out in a particular area, and whereas the loss incurred was formerly, I believe, imposed on that district it was argued that the destruction of such animals was really in the interests of that industry, trade or branch of the industry and was for the benefit of the rest of the country. Apparently in the past it was agreed that half the rate should be struck over the local area and half on the basis of a national fund. This Bill is merely an extension of the existing measure, to enable the potential necessary increase to be imposed by the Department, to ensure that adequate funds shall be available to compensate any owners of livestock for animals that are condemned.
Public Business - Diseases of Animals Bill, 1932—Second Stage.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
Question put and agreed to.
Committee Stage ordered for Wednesday, 13th July.