asked the Minister for Health in view of the damage to property and the health hazard caused by increased rat population if he will in consultation with health boards and local authorities arrange an "Anti-Rat Week".

There is no evidence that rat infestation is a greater problem today than it has been in the past. I would not favour arranging an "Anti-Rat Week" since if there is widespread but sporadic use of rat poison by untrained persons it could lead to rats getting a sub-lethal dose and as a result becoming immune to poison. The occupiers of premises are statutorily responsible for the control of rats on their premises and I would advise occupiers who may have problems with rats to contact their health board for expert advice or assistance in dealing with rats.

I would ask the Minister to co-ordinate the efforts made by industry, health boards and local authorities. An individual firm may seek to exterminate rats by the laying of poison but a firm 100 yards away may not take any such measures. Efforts should be co-ordinated.

We cannot have a speech on this matter.

What health hazards are caused by rat infestation?

Local authorities are responsible for rodent control in their own property and will normally investigate a case. Officers of the health boards will pursue the matter and we would be very concerned to co-ordinate efforts in any area which is not under control.

Regarding the health hazard, rats will gather where refuse or waste food is dumped. Food can be contaminated by rats and the rats themselves are dangerous. They can also carry a serious disease called Weil's disease, though few of them do so. Workers on farms and in sewers are liable to contract it. It is a very rare disease and we all agree that rats should be exterminated.

Would the Minister agree that rat numbers in County Dublin have increased at least ten-fold due to difficulties in regard to refuse collection and also agree that because of the increase in rat numbers the dangers outlined have also increased? Repeated reporting of this to the local authority and the health board during the past couple of months does not seem to have had any effect. Are there any steps the Minister's Department can take to bring about a reduction in rat numbers?

There is no evidence that the general rat population has increased. If there is rubbish gathered in a particular place naturally the number of rats there will increase. If there are any instances of widespread infestation we will be glad to pursue them.

Would the Minister agree that the large number of derelict sites in the highly populated centre city area is a potential health hazard?

This is a likely situation where rubbish is dumped on derelict sites and it is a matter about which the local authority and the health board inspectors will be concerned.

Is the Minister willing to convey his concern to Dublin City Council?

I will check the position.

In view of the fact that there has been a big increase in the amount of rubbish and waste matter which rats use for food and also the fact that waste containers act as nesting grounds for them, I have no doubt that there has been a big increase in rat numbers.

Questions Nos. 7 and 8 postponed.