asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries his attitude towards the proposed EEC directive for the anti-germinative treatment of potatoes destined for human consumption; and the current stage of this proposal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irradiation of Foodstuffs.
55.
The proposed directive has not yet been submitted by the EEC Commission to the Council. A working group set up by the Commission had considered the matter before Ireland's accession to the Community. The Council's programme provides for the adoption of a directive on the irradiation of foodstuffs generally by 1st January, 1977.
In relation to the last three questions the Parliamentary Secretary has replied to, is he aware that public health is at risk as a result of the type of pollution I referred to in my question.
I am not so aware.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the EEC documentation, the OECD documentation and the documentation which comes from all over the world says that public health is at risk over these matters?
No. The EEC issued a directive authorising the treatment of potatoes intended for human consumption by irradiation in order to prevent germination. We have to consider that but the evidence here is that it has not had any harmful effects up to the present time.
Has the directive been adopted?
A working group set up by the Commission had considered the matter before Ireland's accession to the Community.
Have the Department adopted anything arising out of the directive?
Yes, because irradiation is a relatively new development in the preservation of foodstuffs. It prolongs keeping qualities and so on and the whole question is being researched.
Have the Department adopted any regulations?
No, we are getting information from those qualified to give it.