asked the Minister for Health if there are any regulations to ensure that second-hand clothing offered to the public by second-hand clothing dealers are not carriers of some infectious disease; and, if so, what steps are being taken to have these regulations carried out in respect of hawkers who sell second-hand clothing on public market places on fair days.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Second-hand Clothing.
Under the Infectious Diseases Regulations, 1948, the chief medical officer of the health authority, if he thinks it necessary to prevent the spread of infection, may require the destruction, or the disposal in a specified manner, of any infected, infested or dirty substance, or any article which has been exposed to infection or infestation. It is considered that this gives the chief medical officer ample power to take action when it is deemed that second-hand clothes offered for sale may lead to the spread of infection.
The regulations prohibit the importation of articles of second-hand clothing from abroad unless they have been effectually disinfected.
What is the position of second-hand clothing within the country? Is there any precaution at all taken about this clothing?
I do not think I would be competent to deal with that. Ifthe Deputy would put down another question to the Minister, I am sure he would answer it.