Phil Hogan
Question:344 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any proposals to ban asbestos in view of its potential health hazard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Banning of Asbestos.
A strict control regime to reduce and prevent environmental pollution by asbestos, in the interests of the protection of human health and the environment, is provided for by the European Communities (Control of Water Pollution by Asbestos) Regulations, 1990, European Communities (Asbestos Waste) Regulations, 1990 and the Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Emission Limit Value for Use of Asbestos) Regulations, 1990. These regulations apply in addition to control powers available to local authorities in the Air Pollution and Water Polution Acts and in the European Communities (Toxic and Dangerous Waste) Regulations, 1982.
Further controls on asbestos will be developed under the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 1990, when this is enacted.