asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how much has been spent to date of the amount provided under subhead C.4. of the 1971-72 Estimates for his Department on warble fly eradication; if he will outline how the money was spent; and if the results have been satisfactory.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Warble Fly Eradication.
9.
The amount spent up to today is £32,750 approximately. Of this, £26,000 has been paid to the operating bodies by way of contribution towards the cost of employing additional staff for the supervision of the dressing of cattle. Of the balance £6,000 has gone to meet expenses arising out of the operation in 1970 of the Warble Fly (Notification and Treatment) Order, 1967, and £750 on foot of miscellaneous expenses.
The fact that 5½ million cattle were dressed for warbles in 1971 speaks for itself. I have no reason to doubt that, given the continued co-operation of the farming community, the results will be satisfactory.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary received any figures in relation to the infestation of hides of animals which are at present being killed?
I have not that information.
That is a separate question.