Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 7

Written Answers. - Illegal Animal Drugs.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

28 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to introduce stricter regulations and penalties as a further disincentive to stop illegal drug use in animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Brendan McGahon

Question:

87 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of prosecutions which have been initiated against persons for dealing in the angel dust illegal hormone for cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose taking Questions Nos. 28 and 87 together.

Since 1987 three persons were convicted in respect of offences relating to clenbuterol and 30 persons for hormone offences; one person was convicted in respect of both hormones and clenbuterol.

The Government has approved the preparation of a Bill to amend the Animal Remedies Act, 1956. The Bill is presently being drafted by the Parliamentary Draftsman in consultation with officers of my Department. The purpose of this amendment is to considerably strengthen the powers of the Minister to control all aspects of the manufacture, availability and use of veterinary medicines. Severe penalties for breaches will be provided including increasing the fines available for summary offences and the introduction of a provision for a term of imprisonment for such offences. The major provision of the Bill will be the introduction of indictable offences under the Act for which maximum penalties of £50,000 fine and or 10 years imprisonment will be available. This should meet with demands for stricter penalties which will deter even the most hardened offender.