asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the serious destruction wrought by rabbits in County Tipperary and elsewhere, and, if so, if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken by his Department for the destruction of this pest.

I am aware that damage to crops is being caused by rabbits in certain districts of County Tipperary and elsewhere.

This problem is one which can most effectively be dealt with by localaction; and farmers whose crops have been damaged should themselves organise and take concerted measures for the destruction of the pest.