Vol. 403 No. 10
2 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cases where the illegal use of "angel dust" has been found; the steps he is taking in the matter; if prosecution will follow; if he has determined the sources of manufacture and distribution of this dangerous substance; and if it is possible to identify residue in meat carcases.
20 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cases in which the illegal growth promoter known as "angel dust" has been detected in cattle in Ireland within the past 12 months; his views on whether the measures to prevent the use of such substances are adequate, especially in view of the potential danger to human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 20 together.
My Department are involved in testing at factory level and at farm level for the presence of illegal substances including the use of this illegal growth promoter known as "angel dust". Random testing of carcases at factory level over the past year, under an EC approved testing plan, has yielded negative results in all cases. My Department's laboratory has the capability of testing samples from carcases to detect residues.
I recently launched an intensive campaign to counteract any possible abuse by testing at farm level and this has yielded positive results in three out of the 27 herds sampled to date. It is intended to initiate prosecutions in these cases. The sources of manufacture of the material or methods of distribution have not been clearly ascertained, but inquiries by the Garda Siochána, the customs authorities and my Department are continuing.
In July I introduced regulations to deal specifically with this problem and any other illegal growth enhancers or veterinary medicines which might be developed in the future. Under these regulations the manufacture, importation, sale, administration and possession of unauthorised substances are prohibited. I am satisfied that the measures that have been taken are adequate and indeed are more comprehensive than in any other member state. I have been pressing for a harmonised Community approach on this issue and at the Council of Ministers meeting this week I requested the Commission to introduce Community-wide regulations along the lines that we already apply in Ireland.
I compliment the Minister on the action he has taken. I am behind him 100 per cent in his efforts to wipe out this terrible scourge. However, there are a number of facts about which farmers and consumers are very worried. One is that it has been alleged that some factories actually tout for business for cattle that have been treated with hormones. Would the Minister say whether that has come to his notice or whether it is a myth? Obviously, if it is true, we have a bigger problem on our hands than we thought. So far as the technology available to detect the residue of this dreaded "angel dust" substance is concerned, when the Minister speaks about having the technology available, can he confirm that that is used at all meat factories or is it the case — as some commentators suggest — that the use of "angel dust" is widespread despite the fact that the Minister has identified three instances only when it might have been used? Can he give the House any idea of the actual source of the "angel dust" and its distribution methods? Can he give us any idea who is trafficking in this or who is handling it?
The Deputy has posed three questions there. As far as the technology is concerned let me assure him that what we have in place at the national laboratory is the most sophisticated technology for testing, which can be extended to one part of a billion to detect the residue. The Deputy can be assured that we have very advanced technology available to us.
Is it being used at the factories?
Yes, absolutely, that is the second point I want to mention. As I said in my reply, which I might reiterate:
Random testing of carcases at factory level over the past year, under an EC approved testing plan, has yielded negative results in all cases.
Having said that — and I appreciate the Deputy's support for what I am doing — if there is any Member of the House or anyone of which Members are aware has any information of any abuse — to the effect that this dangerous, insidious substance is being used or even contemplated for use — I would be very happy to know it. I can assure the House we will take the most rigorous action.
With regard to what are the sources, the Deputy can be assured that we are co-operating vigorously and actively with the Garda and customs authorities. The fact that there is co-operation with the customs authorities will give the Deputy some indication of some of the people we think are involved in this insidious treachery against our economy.
On this very important aspect of the beef industry, do I take it the Minister is referring to the involvement of subversives? In addition, would he care to comment on the allegations that some of our meat factories are actually seeking cattle that have been treated with hormones?
That is precisely the point I made in my last reply — if there is any evidence of such, I want to have it. We have not got that evidence at this point.
Has the Minister evidence of it?
No, I have not; that is what I said. As to the source, it is a matter for the Garda and customs authorities to confirm exactly who are involved. But let me say that those who are involved are doing, or would attempt to do, deadly damage to the interests of this country and we will not tolerate it.
Some people within the distribution network who would appear to be subjected to an undue share of the spotlight are the so-called van salesmen — the Minister will be aware of the people we see regularly. Would he agree that they are the least likely to have anything to do with it because at least it is possible——
I cannot comment at this point beyond saying that I am determined that everything will be done quite openly and through regular channels. I do intend — as I indicated in the House — to introduce legislation very soon to regulate van sales as well. I am not drawing any implications beyond saying that everything will be regulated and subjected to constant checking.
