Vol. 449 No. 8
23 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to recent international research indicating possible environmental factors in the development of breast cancer; with particular regard to the pesticide Lindane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4494/95]
Limerick East): This matter has been the subject of a reply by my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, on 24 January last. In that reply, he pointed out that extensive research by the relevant international bodies has shown that the residues of Lindane occurrence in Irish food are well below toxicologically acceptable levels. He also stated that the EU is at present carrying out a major review of existing pesticide chemicals including Lindane. I have asked my Department to maintain close links with the Department of Agriculture on this and related research and to review, on an ongoing basis, any research findings which would indicate a need for action in the interests of health, either by myself or the Minister for Agriculture.
