Vol. 452 No. 2
49 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to place a ban on the sale of detergents containing phosphates in view of the evidence available in relation to the damage caused to water quality in this country by phosphates. [7653/95]
I intend to amend the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, by including, in the forthcoming waste Bill, a provision enabling me to prohibit, limit or control, for the purpose of preventing and limiting water pollution, the sale or marketing of articles containing any specified substance, such as detergents which contain phosphates. In the meantime, my Department is at an advanced stage of discussions with the Irish Detergent and Allied Products Association regarding a voluntary agreement to increase use of phosphate-free detergents.
