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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dioxin Study.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

207 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the most recent report on the dangers of dioxin published by the US Government; and the implications for the granting of licences to chemical companies in this country in view of this new information. [2120/94]

Wexford): The US dioxin study is part of a reassessment process being conducted in relation to dioxins by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This reassessment is not due for completion before late 1995. The study is now being made available by the US Environmental Protection Agency for public comment and for review by the agency's science advisory board. No policy decisions are yet being proposed by the US authorities in response to the study. The study, and response to it from the consultative process now underway, will be examined in Ireland and at EU level.

Within the EU, strict limits on dioxin emissions are being imposed under a proposed directive on hazardous waste incineration, already agreed by Environment Ministers, and a proposed directive on non-hazardous waste incineration which is also being considered. These requirements will cover emissions from all incineration sources.

In Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency has already prepared a draft specification reflecting these strict dioxin limits, and this will guide its licensing of relevant industrial and waste plants. The Environmental Protection Agency has recently announced its intention to conduct a national baseline survey on dioxin levels, so that changes can be monitored over time. The collection of data is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

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