Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cosmetics Manufacture.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

92 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has concluded his consideration of the concerns regarding the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics containing mercury; and the ethical and environmental standards which allow him to continue the endorsement of mercuric iodine soap which continues to be manufactured here even though it is illegal to sell this product in the EU. [14530/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The ethical issues relating to the manufacture, for export to developing countries, of soaps and cosmetics containing mercury is a matter which is of concern to me and I am currently considering how best to address these concerns. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has advised that it is not aware of any breach of environmental regulations by the company which is manufacturing mercury soap, since it was established.