Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - Stolen Cattle.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

256 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give an account of the source and estimated value of all cattle stolen recently at Abbotstown, County Meath; if any of the beasts stolen were on, or suspected of being on, growth promoters, angel dust or any other forbidden substance prior to being at Abbotstown; the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure the protection of public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1257/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Forty-five animals were taken by armed raiders from Abbotstown Farm in the early morning of 7 January 1995. The animals had been seized and detained at a number of locations in Counties Cork, Monaghan and Roscommon and the potential market value of cattle of the type involved would be about £30,000. Garda inquiries into this incident are continuing.

A review of the security arrangements in place was carried out immediately as a result of which we are looking to the introduction of a number of improvements in those arrangements, such as the installation of video cameras, panic buttons for security staff, the holding of the animals in separate categories and possibly, the use of Spike Island as a holding centre. Additionally the Garda Síochána have been asked to undertake a security review of the premises — including the existing arrangements regarding the use of a private security firm — and provide a report on the necessary improvements required to ensure the safe detention of cattle in the event that Abbotstown Farm is retained as a centre for holding seized animals. I am also examining the legal alternatives that may be open to me.

Samples from 27 of the animals had been found positive for the presence of illegal growth promoters but as the animals had been detained for some time the residue level of these substances would have been eliminated or virtually eliminated.

Nevertheless my Department's staff at meat factories and ports have been alerted to watch out for these animals and if they are detected they will not be passed as fit for human consumption. I believe that there is no risk of any significance in regard to public health arising out of this incident. The new arrangements I have in mind should ensure that any risk — however small — is essentially eliminated.