Vol. 463 No. 1
107 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position on the ongoing investigation by his Department into the use of angel dust in the Irish animal husbandry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5808/96]
Officers of my Department continue to carry out investigations at farm and factory levels and ports as well as at points of distribution to detect and deter illegal use of veterinary medicines, including angel dust. I have recently announced intensification of my Department's effort to stamp out the scourge of illegal drugs. The confidential hotline to cover growth promoters is in place; a poster campaign to highlight this service will commence shortly. Legislation is being prepared to enable publication of test results for individual meat factories.
I am determined to eradicate the use of angel dust and in each case where evidence warrants, a file will be submitted to the Chief State Solicitor with a view to prosecuting those involved.
