asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will introduce measures to make it compulsory on the manufacturers of refrigerators to place a warning notice on the appliances at the point of sale regarding the dangers to children inherent in the disposal of the appliances with the doors attached.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Refrigerator Warning Notices.
24.
Whilst I sympathise with the intention underlying the Deputy's question, I do not consider that the introduction of compulsory measures on the lines proposed by him would, for a number of reasons, be effective in obviating the danger to which he refers.
Is the Minister aware that there have been cases where children have been locked inside dumped refrigerators? In some cases they have, with great difficulty, been able to get out. Would the Minister not agree there is need for a notice on refrigerators drawing attention to the necessity of removing the doors before disposing of them? That would help to avoid unfortunate accidents.
I am aware that what the Deputy says is true. I am also aware that up-to-date models have magnetic doors and can be opened from the inside. Putting on a label would not be the answer because over the lifetime of a refrigerator, perhaps ten or 20 years, the label could become detached through use or through cleaning. There are problems with regard to refrigerators discarded in proximity to housing estates. I suggest that those dumping refrigerators should remove the lock or hasp and even the door itself.
Would the Minister of State not agree that, even if the label became detached or defaced, its having been there initially would serve as a reminder to people disposing of obsolete refrigerators to remove the doors or the handles?
I would not agree because parents should warn their children of the danger of playing with things like this. Remember, small children would not be able to read a label and so a notice would not make any difference to them.
Is the Minister aware that plastic bags carry a warning?
I would not expect children to read the label but parents who would be constantly reading it would be constantly reminded of the necessity to remove the doors and handles.
Parents are under that obligation regardless of whether or not there is a notice.
It might be no harm to give them an additional reminder.
Could either Minister of State explain why Deputy Geoghegan-Quinn is now answering questions addressed to the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy when Deputy Burke was answering prior to this? Is there some reason?
That is not relevant.
No, but as a matter of courtesy the House might be informed so that we will know who is to answer the questions and why.
I am replying.