asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will impose strict quality control tests on antibiotic products on sale in Ireland, particularly those for farm use, so that their efficiency, withdrawal time and quality can be accurately tested.
Written Answers. - Antibiotic Products.
296.
Mr. Walsh
My responsibility in this area extends only to antibiotics intended for use in animal husbandry. I recently announced that I intend very shortly to introduce measures controlling the retail distribution of antibiotics sold for this purpose.
As regards the efficiency, withdrawal time and quality standards of antibiotics intended for use on farms, proposals for EEC Directives aimed at harmonising the laws of the member states on these matters and at present under consideration are expected to be adopted in the fairly near future. It will then be mandatory on each member state to adjust its national legislation to bring it into line with the requirements of the directives.
297.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the reasons meat for export only is monitored by his Department for antibiotic residue and why domestic supplies are not treated this way.
Meat for export has been monitored by my Department for a number of years because certain of our export markets require this to be carried out. The incidence of detectable residues discovered has been negligible.
Control on meat for domestic consumption is exercised by local authorities and I do not exercise any function in relation to such meat.
298.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will outline his proposals regarding the availability of drugs to farmers.
My Department are at present discussing with the various interested organisations the nature of the controls, if any, which should be introduced to regulate the supply and use of antibiotics in the agricultural sector. Until those discussions have been completed I cannot say what action I may take in this matter.