Vol. 464 No. 2
118 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the estimated use of growth promoters by Irish farmers in 1995; the amount of angel dust and other illegal growth promoters seized in 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7587/96]
While there are no reliable figures on the scale of illegal use of growth promoters, the available evidence is that their use is not significant, is declining and is confined to a small minority of producers. For example, during 1995, a total of 84,491 samples were taken from live animals and carcases and analysed for the presence of illegal growth promoters; 637 samples, which represents a level of 0.75 per cent, were positive. The corresponding level for 1994 was 1.67 per cent. This represents a significant decline in the use of illegal growth promoters and I am determined to take all necessary steps to eradicate their use.
There were 19 seizures of illegal growth promoters during 1995 which comprised hormone cartridges, liquid hormones and clenbuterol in both powder and liquid form.
