Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 6

Written Answers. - Growth Promoters.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

81 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the monitoring, if any, of fatstock shows which is carried out by his Department to ensure that cattle are free of illegal growth promoters; the result of such monitoring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11243/95]

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

Four random samples have been taken from show animals in the past year; all were negative for the presence of illegal growth promoters.

The overall objective of my Department in the enforcement of the ban on growth promoters is to protect human health and Ireland's beef industry. To this end, duly authorised personnel of my Department carry out intensive investigations at farm and factory level as well as among distributors of veterinary medicines to eradicate the use of growth promoters. I consider that this strategy is bearing fruit.

Given the many other duties which have to be carried out by the officers and laboratories concerned, I do not consider that it would be a justifiable use of resources to divert them to testing animals at fatstock shows. If the organisers of fatstock shows consider testing for illegal growth promoters is desirable to ensure fair competition, it is open to them to have samples taken on their own behalf and to have them tested at one of a number of laboratories which engage in residue analysis.

It is normal practice for departmental personnel to be present at fatstock shows. Should a particular animal give rise to a suspicion that illegal growth promoters may have been used, follow up action will be taken. If the evidence warrants, criminal proceedings would be instituted against any person found to be using illegal growth promoters.