asked the Minister for Labour the main provisions and implications for Ireland of the draft EEC directives C. 34, 7. 4. 1972 and C. 34, 7. 4. 1972 of the grading, packing and labelling of dangerous substances; and the consultations thereon entered into by his Department with interests in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Dangerous Substances Directive.
138.
The existing basic document in the matter referred to by the Deputy is a directive of the EEC Council dated the 27th June, 1967, dealing with the approximation of provisions under law, regulation and administrative procedure relating to the classification, labelling and packaging of dangerous substances when these are marketed in the member states of the community. The objects were to eliminate impediments to trade and to provide a measure of safety for the public. The directive classified the substances under eight board headings and detailed the substances in a lengthy annex.
The directive required member states to take all necessary measures to ensure that the dangerous substances, as classified and detailed, would not be marketed unless there were certain specified standards of packaging together with labelling giving information as to the name, origin and dangers attending the use of the substances with the consequential risks.
My information is that the directives referred to in the Deputy's question are still in draft form and have not yet been approved by the Council. They propose some additions to the list of dangerous substances and some modifications in the case of certain solvents.
As I have indicated, the matter is essentially one of the approximation of procedures within the Community. In due course I shall deal with the matter, if appropriate, by way of regulations under the Dangerous Substances Act. In accordance with the provisions of that Act, I shall publish notice of my intention to make any regulations that may be involved and thereby give persons who wish to make representations an opportunity to do so.
I should like to add that we have a two year transitional period within which to comply with directives of this kind.
Would the Minister not consider that it would be more effective if he were to have a discussion on the draft directive while it is still in draft form with the interests concerned. so that his viewpoint at the Council of Ministers when a decision is finally reached would reflect Irish interests?
That is possible all right, but I do not anticipate any difficulty in view of the fact that we have just passed our own Dangerous Substances Act which enables us quite readily to provide for what is required by the directive.
Can the Minister state if he has circulated a copy of this directive to the people who are likely to be interested, in the English language or in the Irish language for that matter?
The requirements of our own Act——
Are the same?
——pretty much conform.
Is there any addition at all?
I do not think there is anything in the directive that is not already covered by our own Dangerous Substances Act.
Is the Minister sure?
I am not sure but, speaking broadly from a perusal of it, I know that our Act provides for the necessary publication of due notice so that firms will not be put to any great inconvenience. We do it on an advisory basis rather than on the basis of prosecuting.