Vol. 529 No. 1
427 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to any public health risks associated with the use of organophosphate based treatments for cattle; if so, if he will advise farmers to use alternatives to these products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2079/01]
The competent authority in Ireland for approval of organophosphate based treatments for cattle is the Irish Medicines Board – IMB. The decision by the IMB on the authorisation of a given product is taken on the basis of relevant EU standards in relation to quality, safety and efficacy, where the benefits and risks associated with use of each medicine are evaluated. An authorisation issued by the IMB includes mandatory product labelling requirements, which, in the case of organophosphate based products, includes advice on the wearing of appropriate protective equipment by the user, as well as other warnings about contra-indications, environmental risks and protection of consumers.
My Department has currently under consideration a report submitted by the IMB in April 2000 on organoposphate veterinary concentrates. In broad terms, this report endorses the safety of this category of product provided the information and advice contained on the label, particularly in relation to wearing adequate protective equipment, are followed. However, I can add that there are no longer any such organophosphate concentrated treatments authorised by IMB for the treatment of cattle. There are alternative non-organophosphate based treatments for cattle authorised by IMB. As with all veterinary medicines, users are advised to consult product labels and package inserts before use and to observe all the precautions for safe and proper storage, use and disposal.
