Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 1

Written Answers. - Prescribed Antibiotics.

John Bruton

Question:

94 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has satisfied himself that therapeutic antibiotics are not being routinely administered to animals on farm, pig or poultry units due to avoidable endemic disease conditions; and if the system of veterinary prescription is sufficiently strict to prevent this. [15458/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Under relevant legislation, European Communities (Animal Remedies and Medicated Feedingstuffs) Regulations, 1994 and Animal Remedies Regulations, 1996, there are strict rules governing the prescription by veterinarians of therapeutic antibiotics and all other prescription medicines. It is fair to say that the rules in place in Ireland are among the strictest in the EU and Ireland has called on the European Commission to harmonise rules in this important area.

The key elements of the regime in place in Ireland can be described as follows: the veterinarian must have taken professional responsibility for the animal or animals and must have sufficient knowledge of the current health, welfare and disease status of the animals on the farm; the veterinarian must visit the farm concerned sufficiently often; and the veterinarian, prior to issuing a prescription in each instance, must satisfy him or herself as to the appropriate form of treatment necessary. This professional diagnosis must be based either on a clinical examination at the time of prescription or, in certain cases, where there is in place a formal health scheme for the farm under his-her responsibility, on the results of the requisite tests on the animal concerned. A veterinary prescription may cover supply of medicines for a period not in excess of 31 days. There are strict rules governing record keeping both by the veterinarian and by the farmer and strong inspection powers are available to officers of the Minister.