asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that seabirds have again been found dead from unknown causes in the Irish Sea and that the livers of some of these birds contain a variety of toxic chemicals including up to 116 ppm of PCBs and 17 ppm of DDE; and if he considers that the presence of these toxic chemicals in the Irish Sea might have the effect of making some of the edible fish dangerous for human consumption.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Toxic Chemicals in Sea.
24.
I presume that this is the same matter as was raised by the Deputy in a parliamentary question to the Minister for Lands on 2nd May last in connection with the deaths of seabirds off the United Kingdom coast in 1969.
As the Deputy was informed in reply to his earlier question, the primary cause of such deaths was not identified.
I have no reason to believe that fish caught in the Irish Sea and sold in Ireland are likely to be unfit for human consumption because of chemical contamination. The Deputy will no doubt appreciate that—even in sheltered bays—toxic effluents in Ireland are minimal, and that the high dilution factor in the sea constitutes a major safety margin.
Is there available any organisation to carry out spot checks around the country regarding the toxic chemical content of these fish?
Checks are made regularly in this area. The Department of Lands have informed us that they have no reports of any toxic chemicals being detected.
Is this health matter the prime responsibility of the Minister for Lands?
The work is carried out jointly by the two Departments.
Is there a joint committee of the two Departments to share this responsibility?
There is consultation between the two Departments.