Vol. 408 No. 9
2 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total number of seizures of clenbuterol or other illegal growth promoters made since 1 January 1991 and the total amounts seized; the number of cases where illegal substances were detected in cattle since 1 January 1991 and the number of animals involved; and whether, in view of a media report (details supplied) he will outline his proposals for increasing the powers available to gardaí and customs officials.
6 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether research is being done in Ireland to enable the authorities to detect the use of Angel Dust in meat tested at meat plants; and if present methods of detection are considered to be adequate from a technical point of view.
26 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of inspectors who are exclusively employed to handle the angel dust problem; and the number of prosecutions which have taken place since the inception of the scheme.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 2, 6 and 26 together.
Since November 1990, ten officers in my Department are engaged full time on special investigations into the illegal use of Beta-agonists, the substances known as `angel dust'. These officers supplement the activities of over 400 veterinary inspectors and other authorised officers at meat factories and in district veterinary offices, who as an integral part of their normal duties react to suspicion or evidence of use of any illegal growth promoting substances.
Where evidence of illegal use of these substances is found the matter is referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office for prosecution. A number of cases are in hand and summons will issue very shortly. So far prosecutions are proposed in 17 cases.
Since January 1991, there have been six seizures of illegal growth promoters. Evidence of illegal use of growth promoting substances has been found in 27 herds and laboratory analysis has confirmed the use of such illegal substances in 317 animals. In the case of detection at meat factories the carcases concerned have been condemned and live animals will be excluded from the food chain either with the owners consent or by court order.
Both my Department's meat control laboratory and the State Laboratory operate to the highest international technical standards and constantly keep abreast of the latest developments in analytical techniques. They participate in regular meetings and workshops with colleagues engaged in similar work in other member states. A variety of methods are employed in testing, depending on the material being analysed. The current methods of detection and confirmation are more than adequate and are similar to those employed in other member states.
Testing methods are approved annually at EC level as part of national residue testing programmes. Naturally as technology advances and more appropriate methods and techniques are developed or perfected, they will be introduced.
The Regulations which I introduced in 1988 and 1990 provide certain powers for members of the Garda Síochána to act independently to detect and apprehend those engaged in the distribution and use of illegal drugs. The officers of Customs and Excise enjoy considerable additional powers under the Customs Consolidation Acts. In order to address this imbalance, following consultation with my colleague the Minister for Justice and with the Garda authorities, I have decided to give all members of the Garda Síochána the full range of powers available to authorised officers. Regulations to this effect are at an advanced stage of preparation. Additional powers are also proposed, which are similar to those available to the members of the Garda Síochána under the Misuse of Drugs Act, to stop, search and arrest persons suspected of being involved in dealing with illegal veterinary drugs. In addition I have been pressing for harmonised action at Community level.
I would emphasise that responsibility for this problem should be laid clearly where it belongs. Those unscrupulous people who would supply, use or encourage the use of substances like angel dust threaten not alone the image of our meat industry but its future viability. Legislation and enforcement are only part of the equation. It must have the wholehearted support of the beef industry generally. I know the representative associations all condemn this illegal activity. Members must heed their associations and work actively against the use of these substances. The problem can be eliminated very quickly if the collective will is there. I, therefore, urge all persons who are using or encouraging the use of such substances to consider the dire consequences of their actions.
I apologise for the absence of Deputy Sherlock. I recognise that I cannot get in on supplementaries. I apologise also to other Deputies whose questions are being taken with Deputy Sherlock's question. It is unfortunate that the matter cannot be pursued.
