Statutory control of sheep dipping
The Minister said his Department already has statutory control, while local authorities enforce dipping orders; the Animal Health Council has no statutory powers.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if his Department have formulated any proposals to bring the statutory control of sheep dipping within the functions of his Department and/or the Animal Health Council.
Comment on this
The statutory control of sheep dipping is already a function of my Department under section 35 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966. Responsibility for the execution and enforcement of the sheep dipping orders made under the Act rests, however, with the various local authorities and it is not proposed to change that position.
As regards the Advisory Council on Animal Health and Disease Eradication, it is within the functions of the council to make recommendations to me on matters relating to sheep scab but there can be no question of giving the council statutory powers.