Vol. 452 No. 8
20 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of detected cases of the use of illegal substances by farmers in 1994 and to date in 1995; the number of successful prosecutions; the number awaiting prosecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8655/95]
Twenty-nine cases involving the suspected use of illegal substances by farmers were detected in 1994 and a further 17 cases have been detected to date in 1995.
In 1994, 20 persons were convicted of offences under veterinary medicines legislation. Forty-one cases are currently in preparation under the Animal Remedies Act, 1993. Summonses for breaches of veterinary medicines legislation have issued in respect of 102 cases which await determination by the court. A further 12 cases have been referred to the Chief State Solicitor with a view to instituting proceedings. There have been no convictions so far in 1995.
