ALL outlets selling drugs for animals will in future have to be licensed by him, the Minister for Agriculture announced yesterday.
Speaking in Portlaoise, Mr Yates said the regulations which he has signed into force strengthen the existing ban on sales by "vanmen", who have been accused in the past of selling illegal and prescription drugs.
Now the sale of animal remedies from vehicles has been banned and the Department will insist that all premises, including shops operating on behalf of veterinary surgeons, will be licensed.
The Minister, who was opening a Department office, said the new regulations would make it an indictable offence to sell animal drugs without a licence.
"We have addressed the issue of illegal drugs, like angel dust and hormones, and have severe penalties in place. Now we must regulate the legal sale of drugs for animals so there can be no grey areas."
He said it was very important that the wholesome image of Irish farm produce be maintained. The new regulations would fulfil EU requirements and reinforce existing Irish legislation.
"I am determined that they will be applied fairly and vigorously and that unscrupulous operators will not be allowed to emerge in this field" said Mr Yates.
A Department of Agriculture spokesman said last night that the "vanmen" who visited farms and marts to sell illegal and prescription drugs had been put out of business.
"We are now copper-fastening that situation and laying down exactly how legal drugs should be sold and, in the case of vets, administered," he said.
Animal drugs can now be sold to farmers only from fixed premises and, where prescriptions are involved, from qualified veterinarians.
The regulations also specify the procedures which must be followed by veterinary surgeons prescribing animal remedies, and when an animal or herd is considered to be under a vet's care.
The regulations were drawn up following consultation between the Department and representatives of consumers, farmers, veterinarians, pharmacists and the animal health industry.