asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to a report of excessive amounts of antibiotics found in cattle and pig carcases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Antibiotics in Cattle and Pigs.
19.
I presume the question refers to a recent report published in the Journal of the Irish Medical Association.
The main danger arising from the administration of antibiotics to animals is not one of excessive amounts of these substances in the carcases but of the development of organisms resistant to various antibiotics. These resistant organisms may be transferable as between animals and man.
I am fully aware of the problems. Tentative proposals for controls on antibiotics for animals drawn up by my Department last year are still under discussion with the interests concerned.