Roger T. Garland
Question:77 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health whether he intends to issue alerts to the public when especially high ultra violet levels of radiation are expected within the next few months.
Written Answers. - Ultra Violet Radiation.
Roger T. Garland
Question:81 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the steps, if any, he intends to take in providing information to the public regarding excessive-dangerous exposure to ultra violet radiation due to ozone depletion within the next few months.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 81 together.
My Department have produced and issued two public information leaflets: General Health Information for People Travelling Abroad, and The Sun Seekers Guide to Health. Both of these leaflets provide advice on exposure to the sun.
In my Department's book entitled The Book of the Child, which is issued free, there is a section on the sun and skin in childhood.
As to the need for public warnings, I feel that it would be prudent to await the publication of the research results expected shortly which will serve to identify whether depletion of the ozone layer of the magnitude predicted has occurred. I will be keeping in contact with the Minister for the Environment in relation to this.