asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the health hazard to young children and old people involved in the use in nurseries and kitchens of dichlorvos fly killers in respect of which there are obligatory warnings in the USA and UK; and whether he will ensure that appropriate warnings are made obligatory in this country on the sale or advertising for sale of such preparations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fly Killers.
9.
I am aware that a fly killer strip impregnated with dichlorvos is on sale in this country. I am advised that there is no evidence of any health hazard from its use provided the detailed instructions given with the product are followed. Accordingly, I do not at this stage see the need to make the giving of such warnings obligatory in this country. Incidentally my information is that warnings are not obligatory in the UK.
Might I suggest that the Minister, as a first reading, should look at a recent issue of Which? He will find the details of the warning given in the United States and in the United Kingdom fully set out there. Is the Minister not aware that this substance apparently contains a nerve gas and is highly dangerous if used in nurseries or used anywhere associated with foods? Might I suggest that the Minister should have an adequate investigation of the matter and should not come into the House with an offhand reply of that nature.
I shall examine what the Deputy says about this matter. We are discussing the matter with the Poisons Centre, Jervis Street Hospital. The fact is that the instructions for the use of this product are clearly indicated with every bottle of this fluid. Our attitude is that it would be better for us to do propaganda on television and we propose to have a propaganda campaign in October on accidents in the home which will include a great many of these matters which will receive very full coverage. But I shall ask the officers of my Department to discuss what the Deputy has said, that there is nerve gas involved, because that is not my information.
I doubt if the Minister has any information on the subject. Might I suggest that he investigate it further?
Yes, I have information but I will investigate it further.
The flies will all be dead by October.