Drug firm to cooperate with farm health probe

MEP Kathy Sinnott today welcomed the decision by a Co Tipperary-based drug firm to co-operate with a new inquiry into animal health problems on a local farm.

Farmer John Hanrahan won record damages in 1990 after a famous 10-year court battle against Clonmel-based Merck, Sharp and Dohme.

He had claimed that toxic emissions from the multinational’s incinerator caused the deaths of 200 cattle on his farm 10 miles away.

The firm today defended its safety record but conceded that it would co-operate with an independent investigation if one was established.

MEP Ms Sinnott joined Mr Hanrahan in a Dáil protest yesterday when he parked a cattle box with two deformed animals outside Leinster House.

She said today: “As an MEP, I welcome the decision yesterday by the pharmaceutical company Merck, Sharp and Dohme that they will co-operate with a fresh inquiry into the ongoing animal health problems on the Farm of John Hanrahan in Tipperary. This fully supports too what the Hanrahan family have been looking for, for some years.”

The Munster representative also called on the Government to set up an independent inquiry to investigate the health problems of Mr Hanrahan’s animals.

“The terms of reference for an inquiry must be fully agreed with the Hanrahan family and I personally will be contacting the Taoiseach on the matter and welcome the co-operation of the opposition parties to lend their support to this inquiry,” she added.

A Merck statement said today: “The company is completely satisfied that its environmental and health and safety management, which is a matter of public record, is exemplary.

“While we refute current allegations by Mr Hanrahan, we would co-operate with any independent investigation into the issues on his holding.”

Mr Hanrahan, 58, claims that 60% of calves born on his farm are still deformed and either die or have to be put down.

The animals he brought to Dublin were a six-year-old cow with twisted back legs and upturned hooves and a four-year-old bull with stunted growth and one leg shorter than the others.

The farmer also claims he is carrying losses of €2.4m in lost milk quota, dead animals and veterinary bills.