asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the Government's attitude to the EEC draft directive on aerosols.
35.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Directives.
34.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the Government's attitude to the EEC draft directive on cosmetic products.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.
As the Deputy has been informed in reply to previous questions, the position in regard to EEC draft directives is that they become operative when approved by the Community following discussion between the member states. The Irish attitude in regard to the provisions of any draft directive is normally settled in consultation with the Irish interests concerned. This procedure is being followed in this case.
The draft directive on cosmetics, if approved in its present form, would have certain implications for industry here and the Irish point of view will be made clear in the course of further consideration of the draft by the member states.
The draft directive on aerosols is at an earlier stage of examination.
Could I ask the Minister how he can connect aerosols and cosmetics so simply together?
The connection is that at this moment draft directives relating to both of these products are under consideration by the EEC.
Is it not true that in relation to cosmetics certain health factors are under consideration and that some cosmetics might be found to be poisonous to the human skin, whereas it would not appear that aerosols come into that at all?
They are equally a health hazard.
There is Dr. O'Connell to answer that.
Yes, the question has been answered for me.