Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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280. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the mobile plunge dipping of sheep (details supplied) is recognised here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17261/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Sheep Welfare Scheme requires participants to undertake and complete two measurable and verifiable Sheep Welfare actions. Applicants must chose these actions from a menu of actions provided for under the scheme.

One of the actions which may be selected by a participant with lowland flocks is the prevention of flies (flystrike control). Under this action participants must incorporate a flystrike programme for the prevention of flies during the months of flystrike and this must incorporate a mechanical means for the prevention of flies. This mechanical means is in addition to any chemical control that may be used by the participant.

The practice of plunge dipping, either by means of a fixed handling and dipping facility, or by means of a mobile dipping unit, is a recognised process in the overall management of a sheep flock. Plunge dipping is considered to be a chemical control for the purposes of the Sheep Welfare Scheme and participants would be required to also have in place a mechanical means for the prevention of flies in order to satisfy their obligations under the scheme.

Any chemical treatment for the control of flystrike must be recorded. Records must then be retained and made available for inspection if required.