andMrs. E. Desmond asked the Minister for Health the various purposes for which experiments on live animals were performed in 1980 and 1981; the number of animals used; and experiments performed for each purpose.
Written Answers. - Experiments on Live Animals.
651.
The following is the information requested by the Deputies, in so far as it is available:
|
Purpose of Experiment |
Number of Licence holders experimenting for this purpose. |
|
|
1980 |
1981 |
|
|
Development of medical products |
11 |
11 |
|
Development of veterinary products |
9 |
10 |
|
Diagnosis |
21 |
23 |
|
Study of cancer |
11 |
11 |
|
Study of cardiovascular disease |
7 |
6 |
|
Study of mental disease |
3 |
8 |
|
Studies of other diseases |
28 |
38 |
|
Teaching and Learning |
25 |
30 |
|
Other purposes |
26 |
32 |
|
Total |
141 |
169 |
|
1980 |
1981 |
|
|
Total numbers of animals used |
35,969 |
36,468 |
Licences under the Act are only granted following inspection by a medical officer of the Department and following his recommendation that the conditions of experimentation meet the requirements of the Act. Licences are reviewed on a three year basis or more frequently where this is considered necessary.