asked the Minister for Labour his Department's plans to implement EEC directive 67/548 relating to the classification, packing and labelling of dangerous substances as amended by directives 69/81, 70/189 and 71/44.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dangerous Substances Classification.
30.
Appropriate regulations will be made in due course under the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972. I should say that the amendments mentioned in the question are still in draft form. We have a two year transitional period to comply with these directives.
Are the proposed amendments being circulated to any of the firms likely to be affected so that they can send their views to the Government? Are they being circulated to the manufacturing interests in Ireland which would be concerned with this matter?
No. We will be dealing with this under the Dangerous Substances Act which requires prior notice to be given of any substances which could be designated dangerous substances. So far as I can see, the provisions of the Act will cover the requirements of the EEC directive. The directive is only in draft form at the moment.
Has the Minister circulated the draft directive?
No.
Has it been circulated so that an opinion could be obtained before it is finalised?
There is a two-year transitional period. We will wait to see the final document and we will have something to say about it before it is finalised.
Will a copy be sent to the firms concerned so that they can submit their views on it first?
No.
Does the Minister have all the knowledge in his own Department?
No. The action to be taken by us would be what is provided in the Dangerous Substances Act —to publish beforehand what is proposed.