The Irish Veterinary Union and the Irish Farmers Association disagree over the scale of use of growth promoters in cattle.
The use of drugs to improve cattle growth has been illegal in Ireland for the past three years. The issue of their continued and widespread use was on the agenda of the Irish Veterinary Union conference which took place in Galway this weekend.
Irish Farmers Association (IFA) president elect Alan Gillis rejects the claim. While acknowledging that a limited abuse may exist, he tells RTÉ News that
To blacken a whole industry is just not on.
The Irish Veterinary Union estimates that fifty per cent of exported cattle are affected.
Vets employed to certify beef cattle for the export market are unable to turn a blind eye to this practice says president of the Irish Veterinary Union George Lane. The implications of such illegal practices must be taken seriously,
It could shake the whole foundations of our export industry.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 December 1989. The reporter is Joe O'Brien.
