Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Veterinary Medicines.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

225 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department received particular advice regarding the possible side effects from the use of invermectin in the agriculture industry; the advice which is issued to farmers regarding the use of the product; the research which has been carried out on the side effects of invermectin on invertebrate, aquatic and bird life; and if his Department promotes alternative chemical compounds to invermectin such as benaimidazoles, imidaaothiazoles and tetrahydropgrimidines for reasons of environmental protection. [25205/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

My Department understands from the Irish Medicines Board, which is the competent licensing authority in this area, that ivermectin is the active ingredient in a number of veterinary medicines authorised in this country. It is also understood that the IMB is aware of extensive research which has been carried out and published in respect of this substance.

As part of the approval process for veterinary medicines, IMB is required to carry out a rigorous examination of each product under the headings of quality, safety and efficacy. In relation to the environmental concerns and concerns about possible effects on other species referred to and advice to farmers in this regard, it is understood from IMB that product labelling is required to carry specific warnings in relation to disposal of product and containers and also in relation to treated animals. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for my Department to promote the possible alternative compounds referred to, given that the ivermectin-based products are fully authorised in accordance with EU and national legislation.