Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 7

Written Answers. - Giant Hogweed Eradication.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

144 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the dangers to human health caused by the giant hogweed; the steps being taken to alert the public to the danger; and the measures he proposes for the eradication of this weed.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I am aware that giant hogweed has been recorded in certain parts of the country. Contact with the sap of the plant can cause the skin to blister and can occasionally lead to dermatitis.

Children in particular should avoid the plant and adults should exercise care when trying to control the plant by cutting.

Any steps to alert the public to the risks from giant hogweed would be most effective as part of co-ordinated measures to enable the public to recognise the plant together with measures for its control or eradication and I am in consultation with my colleagues the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister for the Environment in this regard.