asked the Minister for Health if he has given any consideration as to what the maximum level of lead content in petrol should be; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol Lead Content.
41.
The concern of the Minister for Health in this matter would relate only to the extent to which the lead content in petrol, through emission from motor vehicles might represent a danger to health.
The information available at present would suggest that the level of lead emissions from motor vehicles in countries such as Ireland has not been such as to constitute a danger of this kind. As indicated to the Deputy by the Minister for Local Government in reply to a question by him on the 31st October, 1973, the Department of Local Government are consulting with Dublin Corporation with particular reference to obtaining further information about the present extent of lead pollution from vehicles.
I understand that lead is added to petroleum products in order to increase acceleration in motor cars. Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that not only do we have carbon monoxide but also lead particles coming from the exhaust pipes of cars? While he says it is not a danger at the moment, will he not agree that the content of lead particles in the air is increasing all the time and will he not consider making regulations such as those which apply in the United States in this regard?
If the level of lead pollution of the environment were such as to represent a health hazard the function of the Minister for Health would be to bring pressure to bear on the Department responsible, that is, the Department of Local Government, to take all remedial measures. That will be done.
I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary to take steps now before it becomes a health hazard. Surely waiting until such time as it becomes a health hazard is like closing the stable door after the horse is gone.
When the Minister and I are advised that it is a danger or a health hazard we will act immediately.
Question No. 42.
I am not satisfied.
The Deputy may not be satisfied but he will agree that I have given him a lot of latitude.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary must agree that lead particles in the air are a health hazard when pollution reaches a certain level. He must also agree——
We are entering into the realm of argument.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that now is the time to take action rather than waiting until there is an actual danger to our people?
The Minister and I take advice from our advisers and, when they advise us that there is a danger, we will move immediately.
Would it not be better to avoid the danger?