asked the Minister for Health the number of condoms imported into Ireland in the years 1985 to 1988 inclusive; their country of origin; if all of these condoms were up to the official national standard of the member states of the EC; and if he will impose a ban on condoms being imported from outside the EC.
Written Answers. - Importation of Condoms.
152.
In the calendar years 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988 (to date) licences granted under the health family planning legislation permitted the importation of condoms up to the maximum figures indicated:
|
Year |
Units permitted to be imported |
|
1985 |
32,514,464 |
|
1986 |
13,534,400 |
|
1987 |
51,439,264 |
|
1988 (to date) |
2,064,000 |
However, these figures do not imply that these were the actual numbers imported. During the period of validity of a licence, the licence holder may in fact import far fewer contraceptives than the maximum specified under the terms of the particular licence. The vast majority of condoms imported in to this country are sourced from EC countries. Well known brands of market leader products imported from the UK for example would generally conform with the relevant British standard for condoms. However, on the question of standards, I have recently decided to make it a condition of licences issued under the family planning legislation, that any condoms imported must have been tested to and must conform with an official national standard of a member state of the European Community.