asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he anticipates that County Offaly will be cleared completely of brucellosis and warble fly by his Department.
68.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis and Warble Fly.
67.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he anticipates that County Laois will be cleared completely of brucellosis and warble fly by his Department.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.
The brucellosis eradication scheme was extended on 1st March, 1971 to the portion of County Offaly north and west of the River Brosna and this part of the county should be declared free of the disease within the next few years. The scheme will be further extended as soon as resources and the progress in the area at present under clearance permit but I do not anticipate that any further areas can be taken on before the end of 1972.
The warble fly eradication scheme which commenced on 15th August last is progressing very satisfactorily and will, I am confident, go a long way towards the elimination of the pest throughout the country. However, to ensure the maximum possible results, the campaign will be repeated in 1972 and again in 1973.