Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 9

Written Answers. - Toy Safety Standards.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

40 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of complaints received from the general public concerning the sale of dangerous or hazardous toys in the past year; the result of any investigations undertaken, and the action taken against distributors or retailers; if he has satisfied himself that the requirement of the EC Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states concerning the safety of toys are being fully implemented; if he will outline the number of reported cases of toys or packaging failing to bear the CE mark required under the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ivor Callely

Question:

78 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the procedure that is in place to protect the general public, and in particular children, to ensure that toys and games available for sale in shops meet the necessary safety standards; the number and types of toys which have been taken off the shelves in November-December 1990 and November-December 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

I propose to take oral Question No. 40 and written Question No. 78 together.

The European Communities (Safety of Toys) Regulations, 1990 (S.I. No. 32 of 1990) prohibit the placing of toys on the market unless they are safe. Under the regulations all toys placed on the market after 13 February 1990 must carry a CE mark indicating that they conform to the relevant harmonised EC standards and/or that they have been approved by an approved body. Responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations lies with the director of consumer affairs, who is independent in the exercise of his functions, and the additional information sought by the Deputies should be addressed to the director.