asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that a certain type of baby sleeping bag has been withdrawn from sale in Britain as it is considered to be a serious health danger; and if he will consider withdrawing from sale a similar type bag which is widely available in this country.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Baby Sleeping Bag.
10.
I have seen the newspaper report referred to by the Deputy. It is apparent from the report that the item in question, while being described as a baby's sleeping bag, is normally described as a "baby nest" and that the withdrawal from sale of the items in Britain is by a particular chain of stores while awaiting the outcome of tests into safety of the "nests".
I have asked the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to report on the safety aspects of "baby nests" on sale in Ireland.
Due to the fact that it was felt necessary to withdraw this item from public sale in England would the Minister not consider that he should take similar action pending the results of the investigation?
The matter is at present being investigated by the IIRS, who have been asked to report on the items for sale here. That is all that is being done just at present.
By the time the IIRS issue their findings a lot of things could have happened. In the meantime would the Minister not consider withdrawing these items?
In the verdict at the inquest in the case mentioned by the Deputy it was not stated specifically that it was the design of the particular cot that was responsible for the death; there were other factors.
What about the dangers?
Is the Minister aware that in the case where items like these are prohibited for sale in the United Kingdom normally dumping takes place in this country to get rid of surplus stocks which companies hold in the United Kingdom, and, in the interim such items are sold here at very attractive rates? For that reason does the Minister not think that the speed with which the IIRS would act in this instance, and like instances, is of crucial importance to public safety? Might I ask him further how long normally does it take the IIRS to report back on a problem — I know different problems demand different types of attention — but how long does it take normally for this type of inquiry to be completed and for them to report to him?
I do not have the information in relation to the length of time that it would take the IIRS to report on this matter. But if, in their investigations, they find that they consider this article to be dangerous in any way, then we would take the necessary steps to deal with it.
Would I be in order in asking you, Sir, if when I put down this question three weeks ago to the Department of Health it was not transferred as a matter of courtesy which I understand to be the practice? Why was it refused by the Ceann Comhairle's office and sent back to me?
I am sorry, Deputy, that is not a function of the Chair.
But you refused the question, Sir; it was sent back from your office.
I want to make it clear to the Deputy that it is not my function to decide which Minister will reply to questions. Question No. 11.