asked the Minister for Health if humans can contact selenium poisoning; and if there has ever been a case of it in this country.

Selenium poisoning of humans is theoretically possible if sufficiently large quantities are ingested. I am not aware that a case of such poisoning has occurred in this country.

Will the Minister state if there is any danger in view of the fact that in at least eight farms in County Meath selenium poisoning in cattle and horses has occurred in the last two years? Will the Minister state if there is any danger that milk or vegetables produced on those farms could affect humans?

I am afraid the Deputy has put down the question to the wrong Minister. The Minister for Agriculture would be the appropriate Minister so far as animals are concerned. The question put down to me referred to selenium poisoning in humans.

What is the position with regard to people who drink milk or eat vegetables and other produce grown on farms where there is a high selenium content in the soil and where the animals have been affected?

I agree that a certain amount of meat and vegetables are consumed but there is no evidence that there has been any detrimental effect.