321 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the incidence of sheep scab and the number of flocks affected in the Republic in 1991; if he has satisfied himself that the existing resources aimed at eliminating sheep scab are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Confirmed outbreaks of sheep scab on a flock basis in 1991 totalled 134.

The sheep dipping programme is operated by local authorities and the question of resources is a matter for them. I might add that my Department have advised the authorities to fix a uniform six-week sheep dipping period from 15 September to 31 October to improve the effectiveness of the sheep dipping programme.