asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state in respect of the Warble Fly Eradication Scheme the cost each year since its inception and the estimated amount contributed in each of those years by farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Warble Fly Eradication.
32.
As the information requested is in the form of a tabular statement I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
|
Financial Year |
Expenditure on Warble Fly Eradication |
|
|
Total |
Amount paid by Farmers |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
1965-66 |
664,200 |
*660,000 |
|
1966-67 |
756,000 |
*750,000 |
|
1967-68 |
1,937 |
†2,622 |
|
1968-69 |
11,941 |
3,770 |
|
1969-70 |
41,908 |
2,656 |
|
1970-71 (April to August) |
76,550 |
3,177 |
|
1970-71 (September to November) |
£ 280,000 |
£ *280,000 |
The figures do not include the very considerable expenses incurred by the Department on administration which included the cost of printing of certificates and stationery, publicity and the salaries and travelling expenses of staff.
*These are estimated figures based on the approximate number of cattle dressed.
†Includes moneys proper to the previous financial year.
NOTES:
(1) A national Warble Fly Eradication Scheme was operated in 1965-66 and 1966-67 only.
(2) In the following four years Spring and Summer dressing was carried out by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Warble Fly (Notification and Treatment) Order, 1967 (now revoked).
(3) Dressing in Autumn 1970 was on a voluntary basis and the Department was not financially involved.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is still large-scale warble fly infestation despite the attempts to eradicate it and could he now arrange between the farming organisations and his Department some scheme acceptable to all involved to get rid of warble fly once and for all?
While the Department and the Minister are making up their minds on some effective scheme, what advice would they give to farmers? This is a very serious problem at the moment.
There are cases in the cattle marts, such as Ballina, where northern buyers attend. We had a case of warble fly infestation in Ballina yesterday. I suggest the Parliamentary Secretary pays attention to what Deputy Cooney said.
These are separate questions. The question deals with costs.
Could we get an answer to the supplementaries?
They are not in order. They do not arise.
These supplementaries certainly did arise as far as the question was concerned; it deals with the eradication of warble fly.
The question deals with the cost and the amount contributed by farmers in certain years.
Since such contributions have been ineffective, I am suggesting other steps are now necessary.
That is a separate matter.