asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have died from paraquat poisoning in Ireland from 1985 to 1988 inclusive; and the steps he proposes to take to reduce the level of fatalities in this area.
Written Answers. - Paraquat Poisoning.
66.
I am currently gathering the information requested by the Deputy and I will send it to him as soon as possible.
The Poisons Regulations 1982-86 provide stringent controls in relation to paraquat. The sale of this substance is restricted to pharmacies and outlets licensed by health boards. It may be sold only for use in agriculture, horticulture or forestry and may be sold only to a person who is known by the seller or who is certified in a manner provided for in the regulations as being a person entitled to purchase such preparation. A record must be kept of each sale and such record must include the name and address of the purchaser and the purpose for which it is required. Paraquat must also be sold in its original sealed container. It must have the word "poison" legibly written on the label and also the following warning:
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not re-pack from this container.
Destroy container when empty.
There have been no cases of deaths resulting from the use of paraquat in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and it is unlikely that any tighter restrictions which I might apply to its sale would materially alter the situation.