I propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 31, 68 and 71 together.
In the course of 16 seizures from suppliers and farmers a total of 32 kg. and 770 litres of products containing clenbuterol, 17,493 doses of hormone implants and 25.35 litres of injectable hormone cocktails were seized since 1 January 1991. As the products concerned have no legitimate values it is difficult to assign a value to the seizures but the farm gate value is believed to be between £250,000 and £500,000.
Clenbuterol was detected in samples taken from 350 live cattle on farms and 15 samples taken at slaughterhouses this year. Hormones were detected in 338 cattle during the same period. In regard to traces of clenbuterol found in Irish meat exported to UK, the position is that the meat plants in question have been notified by my Department. Five prosecutions have been initiated as a result of these activities and further prosecutions are in the pipeline.
A Bill is being prepared, as a matter of urgency to amend the Animal Remedies Act, 1956. The new provisions will provide greater powers for the Minister to control all aspects of the manufacture, availability and use of veterinary medicines. The major provision of the Bill is to provide for the introduction of indictable offences for which maximum penalties of a £50,000 fine and, or, ten years imprisonment will be available.
The new legislation will further strengthen the ongoing campaign against the illegal use of veterinary medicines. I am satisfied that the current campaign which is focused on the availability and use of these substances is bearing results and that the vast majority of those involved in the agricultural sector are fully committed to protecting the reputation and image of our food industry. I have arranged for the level of testing on carcases at meat plants to be intensified. However, I want to ensure that the most effective deterrent possible should be available to support the campaign to eliminate the use of these substances.
Regarding the article in the Farmers Journal I must state that the article is based on a very unrealistic and unacceptable line of argument. I have had my views on the matter conveyed to the publication in question.
