asked the Minister for Health if he will state his Department's definition of cosmetics.
75.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale and Control of Cosmetics.
74.
asked the Minister for Health if he will describe the control which his Department has over the sale of cosmetics.
76.
asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to ensure that the label on all cosmetics offered for sale shall contain the name and address of the manufacturer, packager or distributor and an accurate statement of the net amount of the cosmetic in the container.
77.
asked the Minister for Health if he will make the necessary arrangements whereby cosmetic containers shall not be composed of any substance which renders the contents harmful.
78.
asked the Minister for Health if he will make regulations to ensure that a cosmetic intended for application to the area of the eye shall not include a coal-tar colour in the formula, having regard to the fact that the constant application of a coal-tar colour to a sensitive part of the body could cause a cancer.
With your permission a Cheann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 to 78 together.
Section 65 of the Health Act, 1947, as amended, empowers the Minister for Health to make regulations extending a wide range of controls over toilet preparations including the sale of such preparations. No such regulations have, however, been made.
For the purposes of the Act "toilet preparations" are defined as "a substance which is sold under a proprietary designation to be applied for toilet or cosmetic purposes to the human body or any part thereof". There is no specific definition of "cosmetics" under Health legislation.
Section 65 of the Act would enable regulations to be made requiring that the composition of toilet preparations be printed on the outside of containers but there is no specific provision for the type of labelling referred to by the Deputy which does not appear to be related solely to the safeguarding of health.
I am not aware of any definite evidence that the use of certain cosmetics, or containers, have the harmful effects described by the Deputy. Should I receive such evidence I will consider the matter carefully with a view to taking appropriate action.
Is the Minister aware that in other countries they have set about making such regulations? They have actually found it necessary to define the contents of cosmetics. They have found it necessary to call on the manufacturers to indicate clearly what ingredients in the cosmetics are injurious. This must be clearly stated and advice given as to the manner in which the cosmetics should be applied. Perhaps, this can be regarded as modernised thought. Having regard to what they are doing, which can be regarded as progress, would the Minister have something done about it?
My information is that certain derivatives such as coal-tar which is mentioned in the question can in a limited number of cases cause irritation to sensitive skin. That is the only one which has come to my notice. The feeling here was that it was not necessary, having regard to that situation, to do anything pursuant to section 65 of the Health Act, 1947. The mere fact that power exists under that Act to make these regulations obviously means that even 20 years ago people thought there might be possible danger in future. As I stated in my reply, if I had any evidence from the Deputy or otherwise which would convince me that regulations should be made pursuant to section 65 of the Health Act, 1947, as amended, I would have them introduced.
Will the Minister ask his Department to have a look at the existing regulations in the United States of America in connection with food and drug control which rigidly control the sale of cosmetics? It is the same in Canada. Will the Minister take that into consideration and take steps to ensure that fly-by-night producers of cosmetics—and there are quite a number of them operating in the city and country—are controlled? I am not saying they are doing harm intentionally but they can do harm. I did not put down this question to raise a scare.
I appreciate that.
Is the Minister aware that the application of coal tar experimentally over any length of time has produced cancer? Is he aware that many of these cosmetic creams contain steroid hormones which in themselves are very harmful if not used under medical supervision? There are no regulations whatever to control the extent or strength or potency of these steroid hormones which are included in cosmetics. They are freely on sale over the counter and are very serious.
I am not aware that——
Would the Minister make himself aware?
That is typical of Deputy O'Connell.
The Minister sometimes seems to be so lax that he will not bother looking into these problems.
Deputy O'Connell interrupts before you can finish your sentence.
The Minister will not bother looking into the problem. They can be very dangerous.
As I said in my reply I am not aware that the situation is such that, except in very, very exceptional cases, a component of these cosmetics, coal tar or otherwise, causes damage. I am aware that in a very tiny number of cases this can happen. As I have already said, if I was satisfied that there was any evidence that it was necessary to bring in regulations pursuant to the 1947 Act I would do so.
Would the Minister look into the possibility of steroid hormones being incorporated in cosmetic creams?
To be used externally?
Yes. These cosmetic creams are used externally.
Arising from the Minister's reply would he undertake to have the Department look at what has been said in this matter and I will in turn submit to him the information I have obtained concerning what I have said?
I said in my reply originally that I will be glad to take any steps that are necessary.
Questions Nos. 79 to 81, inclusive, postponed.