Vol. 410 No. 4
17 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that the inspection and testing of carcases at abattoirs and meat factories is adequate to detect the use of substances such as angel dust and/or jungle juice in the production of beef by some large scale beef producers in this country; if not, whether he intends introducing new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
22 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of prosecutions which have taken place for (a) persons found in possession of the drug angel dust, (b) persons found selling angel dust and (c) persons found using angel dust; the number of prosecutions which are pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 17 and 22 together.
I am satisfied that the testing regime in place at meat factories and the powers available to veterinary inspectors to detain and sample suspect animals and carcases are adequate to detect illegal usage of growth promoting substances and to ensure that meat containing such residues does not enter the food chain.
Summonses in regard to the use of clenbuterol have issued in two instances to date and a further 15 cases are at an advanced stage of preparation for prosecution. These matters are now sub judice and I do not think it appropriate to comment further. I should add that since 1986, 32 prosecutions have been taken for the use of growth enhancers generally.
I have already announced my intention to introduce legislation to give members of the Garda Síochána greater powers for enforcement of the existing legislation and to introduce new regulations providing for a licensing system for all distribution outlets for veterinary medicines. It will be fundamental to this licensing system that only authorised veterinary medicinal products may be placed on the market. My Department's work on these measures is now at an advanced stage and the necessary contacts with the other State agencies concerned are in progress. I would expect this work will be completed in a matter of months.
Finally, I intend introducing a Bill to amend the Animal Remedies Act, 1956, to provide for indictable offences and greater penalties for serious breaches of the veterinary medicines legislation.
