Vol. 263 No. 7
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if an English translation of the EEC draft directive on the use of additives in animal feeds has been circulated to the relevant farming and trade organisations; and if they will be consulted thereon prior to the submission of any views on the draft directive by the Government to the Commission.
157.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he will be in a position to make a comprehensive statement on the implication for Irish law and practice of the EEC draft directive on the use of additives in animal feeding; and if he will state the date on which this draft directive was received in his Department.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
The general question of the use of additives in animal feeding stuffs has been under examination in my Department for some time and consultation has taken place with the various interests concerned.
The EEC directive relating to the use of additives in animal feeding stuffs was issued by the Council on 23rd November, 1970, and will be implemented here as from 1st February, 1973. In the case of new members provision has been made in the Accession Treaty for a derogation which provides for the continuance until 31st December, 1977, of legislation existing on the date of accession prohibiting the use of certain antibiotics in animal feed. It is proposed to avail of this derogation by making an Order under the Fertilisers Feeding Stuffs and Mineral Mixtures Act, 1955.
Can the Minister state what antibiotics are at issue here?
Yes. It is most impressive: antibiotics, vitamins, coccidiostats, antioxidants, et cetera.
The et cetera is important.
