asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of occasions in the past 12 months in which substances prohibited under hormone legislation have been detected in cattle; and the number of cattle in which they have been detected.
Written Answers. - Hormone Residues in Cattle.
45.
Prima facie evidence of illegal hormone use in cattle was obtained on two occasions within the past 12 months. Laboratory analysis in these cases confirmed the administration of hormones to six animals.
My Department have been engaged in an ongoing campaign against the illegal availability and use of drugs including hormones. Since January 1987, prosecutions have been brought against 20 persons, covering a total of 84 offences involving the sale or possession of illegal drugs. The prosecutions were successful in all cases and resulted in the imposition of fines and forfeiture of the drugs involved.