243 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of people who have been convicted in the last two years for using banned substances in the rearing of cattle; if a custodial sentence has been imposed following conviction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5686/96]

In the past two years one person was convicted of administering a banned substance, clen-buterol, to cattle. During the same period, a further 22 persons have been convicted for offences relating to the illegal possession of or sale of veterinary medicines.

Five of the 22 persons concerned were sentenced to a custodial sentence. Two of the sentences were suspended on appeal to the Circuit Court, one is still under appeal and in a further case, a fine was imposed, on appeal, in lieu of the prison sentence. In the fifth case, the trial judge suspended the prison sentence.