Vol. 483 No. 3
82 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the quantity of phosphate-containing detergents which are being released into our waterways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20272/97]
A comprehensive strategy is in place to address the contribution of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, to eutrophication problems in rivers and lakes.
In so far as detergents are concerned, changes beneficial to the environment made over recent years include the reduction of the phosphate content from 35 per cent to 20 per cent and the introduction of a new range of phosphate-free concentrated products. However, from an environmental perspective I am disappointed at the level of market penetration achieved by phosphate-free detergent products. As a consequence, the potential reduction in phosphate losses from detergents has not been fully realised.
My Department has been in discussions with the Irish Detergent and Allied Products Association about the matter with a view to the adoption of measures on a voluntary basis to enhance water quality protection. I am currently awaiting firm proposals from the association in this regard. In the absence of an early and satisfactory outcome to these discussions, I will consider the imposition of statutory controls to achieve further reductions in the phosphorus input to waters from detergents.
The installation of phosphorus reduction facilities in sewerage schemes, where appropriate, as part of the Department's major programme of investment in water services is, of course, making an important contribution to minimising phosphorus losses to waters, including those associated with the use of detergents.
