Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Organic Solvents.

Edward Nealon

Question:

155 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Environment when a new EC Directive dealing with the banning of certain kind of solvents, known as valclene 113, and used by dry cleaners in certain kinds of machines will be introduced; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, as a result of this Directive, a large number of expensive machines used by dry cleaners will no longer be of use; if any special arrangements or exemptions are being provided for the owners of these machines; if any compensation will be made for their replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Browne,

Wexford): I understand that the Commission of the European Communities is preparing a draft Directive on the limitation of emissions of organic solvents from certain processes including dry cleaning but it is not clear when a draft may emerge or what proposals it may contain.

However, the substance referred to appears to be CFC 113, the production and import of which are controlled by the UN Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. Ireland, together with its EC partners, is a party to this Protocol.

The Montreal Protocol, as revised in Copenhagen last November, provides for the phasing out of the production of CFCs by 1 January, 1996. However, the EC has already decided on an earlier Community phase out date of 1 January, 1995. Industry is aware of the controls and alternative ozone friendly substances and processes are being developed and introduced.

CFCs are not manufactured in Ireland and importers and distributors of these substances are cutting down on supplies in accordance with phase out dates. Given the polluter pays principle, there are no plans at national or EC level to provide for compensation as referred to in the question.