asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the availability of a hormone based injection to increase milk yield in dairy cows; if so, if he intends to take steps to control or prohibit its use; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The substance involved, Bovine Somatotropin, is not available commercially in Ireland. Its use here would have to be authorised by the National Drugs Advisory Board and any such authorisation would depend on the outcome of current EC Commission studies as to the possible need for Community rules on the use of this substance. These studies are being undertaken in response to the concern of several member states, including Ireland, as to the likely implications of such use.