Ivor Callely
Question:110 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture Food and Forestry the known products which are used as illegal growth promoters in livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11000/97]
Written Answers. - Illegal Growth Promoters.
Products having oestrogenic, androgenic, gestagenic and thyrostatic action, as well as beta-agonists, have been known to be used illegally for growth promotion in livestock. The Deputy will be aware that the Animal Remedies Act, 1993 prohibits the use of any substance for growth promotion, unless specifically authorised for that purpose.
I would remind the Deputy that extensive monitoring is carried out by my Department to detect the use of illegal substances. Such monitoring indicated that there has been a reduction in the use of such substances. I remain determined to eliminate the use of all prohibited substances.
Ivor Callely
Question:111 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his understanding of the current use of angel dust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11001/97]
Monitoring carrried out by my Department indicates that there has been a significant reduction in the use of clenbuterol also known as angel dust in the past few years.
In 1993, for example, 3.77 per cent of samples were positive for clenbuterol. This level has declined each year since and in 1996, 0.14 per cent of samples were positive for clenbuterol. I would like to stress my continuing commitment to using the full rigours of the law with a view to eliminating the use of all prohibited substances.