Vol. 429 No. 6
175 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the exposé in the Cork Examiner on Angel Dust, published in the first week in March 1993; the measures, if any, he has initiated, as a result, to combat the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the article to which the Deputy refers. Officers of my Department have extensive powers to (a) lock up and sample herds where it is suspected that prohibited substances may have been used, (b) seize and detain for testing animals or meat which are suspected of being illegally treated and (c) condemn as unfit for human consumption meat derived from animals treated with prohibited substances. The Regulations are being vigorously enforced.
The second stage of the Animal Remedies Bill, which provides a comprehensive body of legislation and will impose more severe penalties for offences of this nature, is being moved in the Dáil today.
