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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2002

Vol. 550 No. 1

Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.

Bernard Allen

Question:

114 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason his Department has refused to answer correspondence on health and environmental issues received from the Irish Doctors Environmental Association; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that they are seeking legal advice on the Department's failure to do so. [7354/02]

The Irish Doctors Environmental Association wrote to my Department expressing its concern over the monitoring of the impact of environmental change on public health. Officials of my Department met with members of the association in late October 2001 regarding their concerns. A number of issues raised in correspondence by the association were discussed at that meeting. The issues are wide ranging and complex including climate change, incineration and waste disposal, electrosensitivity, a proposal to establish a new type of disease register and fluoridation of public water supplies. Monitoring the impact of environmental change involves a number of different Departments and agencies who have primary responsibility for some of the issues raised. Officials of my Department will be responding to the association as soon as possible following further consultation on and consideration of the environment and health issues raised.

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