asked the Minister for Agriculture the proposals he has to control the excessive use of hormones in meat for human consumption.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hormones in Meat.
7.
The results of tests undertaken on behalf of my Department do not show evidence of excessive residues of hormonal substances in meat for human consumption. To ensure that these substances are used responsibly in livestock production I propose to introduce the following measures: tighter controls on availability of hormones; rules on how, by whom and to what species of animal such substances might be administered; systems to facilitate checking that withdrawal periods for hormones have been observed; power for veterinary examiners in abattoirs and slaughterhouses to examine and test for hormone residues and to reject animals and carcases where such residues are present.
Consultations with the various farming, veterinary manufacturing and trade interests on my proposals are currently being conducted and I hope to have the new measures in force as early as possible in the new year.
Is the Minister satisfied that the new measures which he announced will control the problem which the Minister seems to think does not exist?
I do not know where the Deputy got that idea. I would be the last to deny that there is a problem in this area. Of course there is a problem and I have said so publicly on several occasions in the last few months, as long as six months ago when Deputy Shatter raised the matter initially. We must be vigilant because our whole export trade and indeed our home trade could be affected and I am determined to see that any abuses which exist are eliminated.
I shall outline some of the measures which I intend to take regarding the availability and uses of hormones. The appropriate regulations would be under (a) the Animal Remedies Act, 1956, (b) the Poisons Act, 1961, (c) the Agricultural Produce (Fresh Meat) Act, 1930, and the Pigs and Bacon Acts. Regulations under (a) will update existing prescription only controls and extend them to include all hormonal growth promoters. Regulations under (b) will prohibit the use of hormonal growth promoters in all food animals except bovines and will stipulate appropriate conditions for use. The administration of hormones will be confined to veterinary officers in accordance with a veterinary prescription or to persons known to and nominated by a veterinary officer. Cattle identification cards will be endorsed with the name of the substance used and the date on which the withdrawal period will expire. A veterinary officer may not issue a prescription if the ID cards are not presented to him. The sale for slaughter of an animal for which a withdrawal period has not elapsed will be an offence, as will the sale of meat which contains residues.
I wish to thank the Minister for his very comprehensive reply. Considering that there were no less than four Acts involved, including the Local Authorities (Local Government) Acts governing the area of abattoirs, which the Minister did not mention, will the Minister assure me that they will come before the House for discussion soon?
I intend to introduce these regulations in January and I am not sure if they can be discussed at that stage.
Will the Minister look at the Act concerning abattoirs?
Yes, but the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment have functions in this matter also although I have primary control.
How soon will the Minister be able to do this?
As I have already said, I hope to do so in January.
Has the Minister had any discussions with the Minister for Health concerning the report that there was a link between these growth hormones and cancer?
I have had no communication with the Minister for Health in that regard. I discussed the matter with him but that question did not arise.
Is the Minister aware that pigs are being slaughtered by unlicensed pork butchers and will he bring in legislation to protect that section of the community?
I am aware that the regulations are not being adhered to in that regard, I think it arises in the context of the next question.