asked the Minister for Agriculture if a list of employees who have been exposed to the hazardous herbicide 245-T over the past three years has been complied, and if not, if he will have the names of such employees recorded.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Herbicide 245-T.
52.
No list has been complied in my Department of the names of employees who may have used or otherwise been in contact with pesticide products containing 245-T as an ingredient. I do not intend to have the names of such employees recorded as I do not accept that 245-T is a hazardous substance when properly used.
Is the Minister not aware that there would be widespread concern, certainly among the people who have to work in this area, at his statement that he believes 245-T is not hazardous if properly used? Could the Minister expand further on this and indicate whether he is at present perfectly satisfied with the control and information he has about the distribution and use of this chemical?
Not only am I satisfied, but it is the position in the U.K. The FAO and the WHO joint committee on pesticide residues is one of the most authoritative bodies in this field. It has twice examined 245-T and on each occasion has found that it presents no hazards to operators and consumers.
Is it fair to imply that the Minister dismisses all the reports about the hazardous nature of 245-T as so much rubbish?
I did not say it was rubbish; it was the Deputy who said that.
May I ask the Minister what power he has to ensure that 245-T is in all cases, as he said, properly used?
As I have said, we are satisfied with the FAO and the WHO joint committee's report on the chemical.
That is if the pesticide is properly used. What legal power has the Minister to ensure that it is properly used? Is it not correct that he has no power?
That is a separate question.
I know he has no power.
At Question Time the Deputy should not tell the Minister anything.
The Minister has said that he is satisfied.
If the Minister is so satisfied, he should know the answer.
I am satisfied, so I do not have to know the answer.
Question No. 53 for written reply.