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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 2

Written Answers. - Clothing Standards.

David Stanton

Question:

62 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 4 November 1999, the Director of Consumer Affairs and the National Standards Authority of Ireland have responded to her request to review the issue of flammability of clothing; the recommendations, if any, they have made on future steps which might be taken in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15591/00]

The Director of Consumer Affairs and the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, have responded to the request to review the issue of flammability of clothing. A joint report has been presented to my Department.

The NSAI and Director of Consumer Affairs' study concludes that the introduction of unilateral flammability requirements for clothing in Ireland is not feasible, because of toxicological-ecotoxicological considerations, the fact that it would have the effect of severely limiting the availability of clothing on the Irish market and cost. It should be noted, however, that following a meeting in December 1999, the European Union 98/34 Committee on standards and technical regulations gave CEN, European Committee for Standardisation, a mandate to prepare a draft european standard which would specifically apply to the flammability of nightwear. It is expected that this standard will be developed within the next 12 to 18 months. When completed, this will be introduced as an identical Irish standard.

The NSAI and Director of Consumer Affairs are of the view that the issue of accidents due to flammability of clothing in general is best addressed through safety campaigns targeted at users of open fires, fuel effect fires, portable LPG fires and, possibly, electric fires. Such campaigns are effective in alerting the public to the possible dangers associated with loose clothing in proximity to open flames and perhaps the use of such campaigns should be increased, particularly during the winter period. I propose to take this matter up with the National Safety Council with a view to initiating such a campaign.
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