asked the Minister for Agriculture if his Department have yet had any results from examination of specimens taken from animals on three farms at Ballydine, County Tipperary; if so, the results of the examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Examination of Animal Specimens.
8.
Most of the tests and analyses on the specimens referred to taken from animals at Ballydine, County Tipperary, on 15 September last have been completed. The results so far received have given no indications of any exceptional animal health problem in the animals from which the specimens were taken.
What precisely was looked for in these tests? Were they looking for the existence of toxins, solvents or solvent damage? Is the Minister aware that the way tests are carried out could have different effects? This means that two different methods of testing the same samples could have different effects.
I am not an expert on the points raised by the Deputy, but I can tell him that the tests carried out were extremely exhaustive and extensive. Where the State was not certain that the tests and analyses could be carried out at the State Laboratory, the relevant tests were carried out in the United States and Sweden.
I would like the Minister to tell me why the Taoiseach was not satisfied with the inquiry carried out by the Minister, Deputy Kavanagh?
That is a different question.
Why is there some uncertainty about this? It is very necessary that this element of doubt be removed for everybody's sake, for the future industrial development of South Tipperary and for the good name of the firm Merck, Sharp and Dohme (Ireland) Limited who are providing very valuable employment in South Tipperary. I am not too happy about the controversy in the Sunday papers——
That does not arise on this question.
Maybe the Minister could give some information on this.
The question posed by the Deputy refers to an article in a Sunday newspaper and I will not refer to the question——
Is the Minister denying the Taoiseach made the statement?
I am not saying anything on the subject.
Were the tests carried out on animals from only one farm or a number of farms and how many animals were involved?
In his question the Deputy referred to three farms. He was quite correct. There were three farms involved. The animals from three farms were involved.
Have there been complaints from more than three farms?
No, I have not heard of any further complaints.
(Limerick West): Is the Minister aware that the tests carried out are conclusive? Would he inform the House if there is any need for further examinations being carried out? Is he satisfied that as a result of the tests which have been carried out no further action will be needed?
I am not saying no further action will be needed because my Department and the other Departments involved in the investigation will have to consider the results which have not been completely evaluated yet. Because some of the tests had to be carried out in the United States and Sweden it has taken a considerable time to get the full results of those tests, but no abnormal health conditions were disclosed and no chemical residues were detected. I am told that the results are about 97 per cent complete.
As a Deputy from South Tipperary — Merck, Sharp and Dohme are in my constituency — I am pleased to learn that as a result of the exhaustive tests carried out there is no danger to the health of my constituents.
A question, please.
The Minister indicated that 97 per cent of the investigation and been carried out to date. When does he expect the final report?
We expect to have the results from the remainder of the tests within the next two weeks.
In the investigations did the officials look for red cell destruction or bone marrow dysfunction?
I do not have a run down of the detailed tests carried out.