Would the Minister give the number of samples checked which were not up to standard? What was the percentage in regard to the overall samples checked?

I have not any evidence that there has been any detection of substandard feedingstuffs.

Is the Minister satisfied that present regulations are adequate to control the various mixtures going into meal being compounded by compounders?

Yes, I am satisfied. Officials of my Department visit these premises regularly and take random samples.

Should it not be obligatory to have a description on the contents, of all the different ingredients of these feedingstuffs, both home produced and imported, on the bags or containers? I think legislation was promised in this area. If such descriptions appeared on all the bags and bulk grain then we could ensure they were up to Department of Agriculture standards.

I am aware that at a meeting of the Meath County Executive of the IFA on Monday night last Deputy Farrelly and another Deputy raised queries on this issue. I might say that each provender is obliged to indicate the content of the feedingstuff, how much fibre and how much proteins. He is obliged to do that. Under that regulation the marking should be on the bag. Again, if any specific case is brought to my notice I will have it investigated.

My information so far as imports are concerned is that the contents are not marked on the bags, or the ingredients are not known to purchasers. Surely the Department should do something about it. There are sufficient inspectors to ensure that that is done.

As I have said, the seller is obliged to state in writing what the feedingstuff contains.