asked the Minister for Health the steps which health and local authorities can take to combat the menace of rat infestation; and if he will take steps to promote a national campaign against the rat menace.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rat Infestation.
7.
Mr. Ryan
Local authorities are empowered by the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, as amended, to serve a notice on the occupier of any land, including buildings, requiring him to take such steps as are prescribed in the notice for the destruction of rats and mice, or for preventing infestation with rats or mice. Alternatively, a local authority may, after 24 hours' notice in writing, take the necessary steps themselves and may recover any reasonable expenses so incurred from the occupier. A person authorised in writing by a local authority under the Act may enter any land or buildings for the purpose of ascertaining whether the requirements of the Act are being complied with.
In addition to these general provisions, proprietors of food premises are required, under the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950, to take adequate measures for preventing the contamination of food by rats.
As Minister for Health, my interest in the problem of rat infestation is concerned chiefly with the possibility of the spread of disease. The position generally regarding enforcement of control measures has improved appreciably in recent years and local authorities have available to them the services of health inspectors who have been specially trained in rodent control. I do not consider that, from a health point of view, special measures in addition to those at present operated are called for.