asked the Minister for Labour if the Government intends to introduce legislation immediately, including provision for safety regulations, covering transport throughout the whole country of lethal chemicals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lethal Chemicals.
1.
Cavan)(for the Minister for Labour): My Department are at present preparing comprehensive sets of safety regulations relating to the importation, manufacture, storage and conveyance of explosives and the storage and conveyance of petroleum. These regulations will be made under the Dangerous Substances Act and are intended to up-date and extend the existing safety precautions in the handling of dangerous substances.
The Dangerous Substances Act is largely an enabling measure, which will permit me, as soon as it is brought into operation, to make regulations which will require that all practicable steps are taken to prevent risk of injury to person or property in the conveying, loading and unloading of any declared dangerous substance. The Dangerous Substances Act can be brought into force as soon as the drafting of regulations dealing with explosives and petroleum are completed. In addition other chemical substances which might be dangerous are being investigated. The results of this investigation will enable me to decide which ones should be specially designated under the Act and how best these could be covered by safety regulations.
When does the Minister expect that he will be in a position to introduce these regulations?
(Cavan): I can tell the Deputy that very considerable progress has been made in drafting the regulations but further work has to be done before the job is completed. There will be no undue delay, but I would not like to give a definite date or even an accurate estimate.
Would the Minister assure the House that dangerous drugs and medicines, which if taken without medical prescription could be fatal, will be taken into account, and also that the checking and transport of poisonous substances such as paraquat and grammoxone will also be taken into account and brought within the ambit of these regulations?
(Cavan): The Deputy may take it that those substances will be taken into consideration. That was one of the main objects for introducing the legislation.