Alleged source of sheep scab
Callanan sought an investigation into allegations that Department rams spread sheep scab in the west, while distinguishing this concern from whether councils enforced dipping rules. The Minister said councils had been instructed to enforce the regulations and that the Department was taking necessary precautions to eradicate scab.
County councils are responsible for enforcing the sheep dipping regulations but the Department are responsible for the placing of Department rams. Allegations have been made in the west that the Department are responsible for the spread of sheep scab. I sent in a question in relation to this matter and I am surprised it is not on the Order Paper. This is a serious matter in the west. The sheep dipping regulations were carried out rigidly by the county councils but yet there is a lot of sheep scab.
Comment on this
The regulations must be carried out rigidly by the county councils and we have no information to the contrary. The Department issue instructions to councils to carry out these regulations.
Comment on this
I did not say that county councils do not carry out the regulations but I should like to know what effort is being made to trace the source of sheep scab in the west. Allegations have been made that the Department are responsible. I am not accusing the Department but there is substantial proof that it was caused by rams sent down by the Department.
Comment on this
The Deputy is raising the matter of sheep scab which is different from the question.