245 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the rules if any, which advise veterinary surgeons to dispose of hazardous items such as needles and sharps; the steps, if any, his Department takes to ensure compliance with these requirements; and his views on whether such items fall within the definition of hazardous waste which requires special methods of disposal. [2777/97]

There is no legislation under the aegis of my Department concerning the disposal of hazardous items such as needles and sharps by veterinary surgeons.

Instructions concerning the procedures and practices to be complied with by veterinary surgeons while carrying out testing under the bovine TB and brucellosis eradication schemes require veterinary surgeons carrying out such tests to gather and remove residue of all test materials, including syringe parts, used tuberculin bottles, cartons and other items at the time of leaving the holding. Subsequent disposal of such items is the responsibility of the testing veterinary surgeon.