asked the Minister for Health if he has any proposals for dealing with lead-tainted vegetables in the Dublin area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lead-Tainted Vegetables.
24.
The problem of lead-tainted vegetables arises in the Clondalkin district of Dublin and I am informed by the Eastern Health Board that local residents have been made aware of the situation and have been advised in relation to the precautions to be taken towards minimising any risk to health which may be involved in the eating of vegetables grown in the area.
Certain controls over atmospheric pollution are provided for in legislation for which the Minister for Local Government is responsible and it is understood that the operation of these controls, as they relate to lead pollution from fixed installations, is at present being reviewed.
Is there any way the Minister can assure the House that these vegetables will not become available generally on the market and that they will not be a great hazard to the people who inadvertently buy them?
The Deputy will appreciate that there is no way any Minister can prevent those vegetables coming on the market but the Department of Health can and do advise people as to the best way to treat them if they believe they are in danger.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider recommending to the Minister for Health that the Government would make provision to purchase these vegetables and have them destroyed?
Not only that but if the Deputy addresses a question to the Minister for Local Government at any time he will be told in full the nature of this problem.