I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has advised me that testing for phenylbutazone (Bute) in the food chain is conducted every year under the National Residues Control Programme (NRCP). This testing is carried out on samples from bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine animals as well as poultry, farmed game and milk.
Based on the above tests, the FSAI has informed me that there is no evidence that Bute has entered the food chain here. With regard to the beef burgers in which equine DNA was detected as part of the recent FSAI survey, these were also tested for Bute - the test results were negative, thus posing no threat to public health.
In light of the recent horse meat incident across Europe, the European Commission has introduced an EU wide programme of control measures, including increased testing of horse meat for Bute. The results of this control programme will provide an evidence base for the possible consideration of further measures to be taken, if necessary.
Officials from my Department are in daily contact with the FSAI in relation to the ongoing horsemeat incident in Europe to ensure there remains no threat to public health. I am also being kept informed of events and developments by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who ensured a speedy response and investigation at national level to the incident. Also, he has initiated and led a rapid and collective response to the horsemeat incident in Europe in his capacity as President of Council of Agriculture Ministers.