asked the Minister for Agriculture the discussions which he had with farming organisations and all interests with regard to the introduction of regulations on the use of antibiotics in animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
45.
Written Answers. - Livestock Treatment Regulations.
22.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement with regard to the introduction of the regulations concerning the use of antibiotics on the farm as from 1 July of this year.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 45 together.
Regulations introduced last November to control the sale and use of various livestock treatments will apply to veterinary antibiotics as and from 1 July next. From that date antibiotics may only be purchased on veterinary prescription and their administration will be confined to veterinarians or the person named in the prescription. Records of use must also be kept. The aim of the regulations is to ensure that where such substances are used they are administered responsibly so that treated animals when slaughtered will not contain harmful residues of the treatments used. All organisations representing farming, veterinary, pharmaceutical and trade interests were consulted prior to the making of the regulations.