Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hazardous Substances.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

293 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the requirement imposed upon golf clubs in the United Kingdom to carry out assessments relating to the control of substances hazardous to health; the requirement to prepare safety data sheets in respect of these applications in view of the environmental consequences of the intensive use of herbicides, pesticides and so on; his views on whether the introduction of this regime here would have positive public health impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. - [18474/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

My understanding is that this issue comes within the remit of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, as amended, which is implemented by the Health and Safety Authority on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

As Minister for Health and Children, I would welcome any initiative that might have a positive impact on public health.