Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 16 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 8

Written Answers. - Sheep Dips.

Eoin Ryan

Ceist:

197 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the numbers and names of organophosphate based-sheep dips licensed by his Department; the nature of supervision mandatory under the previous compulsory regime; the concerns, if any, that have been made known to his Department regarding the safety of such dips; the action, if any, that has been taken and is now planned; the action, if any, being taken by Teagasc or any other relevant agencies of his Department upon receipt of the study entitled An Investigation into the Environmental Effects of Sheep Dip, published by Trinity College Dublin in November 1993; if his Department has received representations from the Pesticide Action and Legal Network or any such group alleging harm from use of these substances; if his Department has considered the legal aspects of possible claims against it and sought legal advice on the matter, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8616/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The six sheep dips containing organophosphates shown hereunder are approved under the Sheep Dipping Order, 1965 (S.I. No. 105 of 1965). Approval of a sheep dip indicates that the product has met my Department's criteria as regards efficacy against sheep scab. Since 1 January, 1987, all veterinary medicinal products, including sheep dips, must be evaluated by the National Drugs Advisory Board (NDAB) in accordance with the European Communities (Veterinary Medicinal Products) Regulations, 1986 (S.I. No. 22 of 1986). Under these regulations manufacturers are required to satisfy the NDAB as to the safety, quality and efficacy of their products. Assessment of safety takes account, not only of the effect on the target animal, but also of (a) the safety of the product from the point of view of consumers of produce derived from treated animals and (b) the risks to persons who handle or administer the product. If it has been refused authorisation by the NDAB a dip will automatically become ineligible for inclusion in my Department's list of approved sheep dips.

My Department has been made aware of complaints of ill health attributed to the usage of organophosphate dips. I understand that the Department of Health has requested a full report from the NDAB on products which contain organophosphates. I await the outcome of this report in order that my Department may take appropriate action in due course. My Department has always advised flockowners to observe the manufacturer's instructions in the use of these products. There are inherent risks in using all chemical and pharmaceutical substances. Even when a product has been authorised, the onus remains on the user to observe carefully the specified directions and precautions so as to ensure safe use of the preparation in question.

Sheep scab is a very distressing disease and no affected sheep should be left untreated. In the absence of alternatives there was, therefore, no option but to use the approved dips to eradicate outbreaks of the disease. The countrywide compulsory dipping of sheep was discontinued in 1994 as a result of which there has been a marked reduction in the use of dips. This trend should accelerate with the arrival of injectible treatments on the market. One such product has been approved by the NDAB and another is currently being considered for approval.

The Investigation into the Environmental Effects of Sheep Dip referred to is primarily a matter for the attention of the Department of the Environment. The departmental record does not indicate the receipt of representations from the Pesticide Action and Legal Network but there have been representations from concerned individuals about the use of sheep dips. I have not sought legal advice in the matter as I have statutory responsibility for the health and welfare of sheep and I must accordingly allow and require treatment in the case of a scab outbreak.

Name of Dip.

Sebacil 50 per cent

Top Clip Gold Shield

Nucidol 600

Coopers Winder Dip 200

Hygiea Winter Dip

Osmonds Scab Approved Gold

Fleece Sheep Dip.