asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that regulations laid down requiring safety standards in toys are being ignored and that plastic toys containing inflammable material are on sale; and whether at the approach of the Christmas season he will initiate even more stringent control measures.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Safety Standards in Toys.
90.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the compulsory safety standard dealing with toxicity and cellulosic content of children's toys.
The inspectors of my Department carry out checks on toys in shops and have discovered some instances of non-compliance with this standard. I understand that the toys involved were withdrawn from sale by the retail establishments concerned several months ago. If the Deputy is aware of any specific instances of continuing non-compliance, I will have them investigated promptly.
I have already arranged for a special pre-Christmas check, on the same lines as that carried out before last Christmas, bearing in mind the importance of such a check at that particular time of year.
Is the Minister aware that some months ago I called his attention to American legislation in this field and suggested that he might investigate its application here and, if I recollect correctly, he did not think this was necessary? Would he reconsider this matter in view of the information now coming to light?
I have just explained that I am unaware of the existence of the problem the Deputy outlines.
If the Minister has not stopped buying toys he could prove that to himself very quickly.
Did the Minister not say there were some complaints?
I said that there were and that the toys were withdrawn some months ago and I said that if the Deputy is aware of specific instances of continuing non-compliance, I will have them investigated.