(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment the action he is taking to control the use of fluorocarbons released by aerosol sprays, in view of the concern expressed by the World Meteorological Organisation in Geneva regarding the long term depletion of as much as 15 per cent of the earth's vital ozone layer by their use.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aerosol Sprays.
24.
I am aware that several international bodies including the World Meteorological Organisation are studying the effects of fluorocarbons on the ozone layer. A resolution on fluorocarbons in the environment adopted by the EEC Council of Ministers on 30 May 1978 indicated that the effect of fluorocarbons on the en-vironment would be re-examined during the second half of this year in the light of the information available with a view to arriving at a Community policy. When this re-examination has been concluded the need for any action relating to the use of aerosol sprays in Ireland will be considered.
(Cavan-Monaghan): In the light of the informa-tion available, have the Minister's Department any proposals to protect the environment and the people from possible dangers such as an increase in skin cancer and an increase in ultra-violet radiation which can result from the use of these sprays? I understand they can also affect weather patterns. Has the Minister any positive proposals in the light of existing knowledge which he obviously has?
Yes. Ireland is represented by a certain professor on the EEC expert group studying the problem. Ireland is also represented on the EEC Advisory Committee on Programme Management for environment research by the National Board for Science and Technology. A meeting of the expert group was arranged for 13 and 14 of this month. It is not possible to say what form measures to control the use of fluorocarbons will take pending completion of these EEC studies. It is probable that the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy and the Department of Labour will be involved in the implementation measures. Ireland's domestic consumption of flurocarbons has been estimated at 1.3 per cent of total EEC consumption. Any unilateral action by Ireland, therefore, would not have a significant impact on the overall problem.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Would it not be right for us to discourage their use while they are still not a significant danger, or when they are not being used in very large quantities? Is not now the time to move?
Recent international studies suggest that fluorocarbons' emis-sions into the atmosphere reduce the ozone layer and that this is a matter of concern. The importance of the reduction of the ozone layer is that it would allow more ultra-violet radiation to reach the earth's surface and increase radiation, and affect human and animal health, causing skin cancer as suggested by the Deputy. A final assessment of the effect of fluorocarbons on man and the environment is not yet possible. We are taking every possible step.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am aware that what the Minister says is correct. He appears to have the same information as I have. What is he doing about it? Will this go on for years whilst skin cancer becomes more prevalent and people are exposed to the dangers of ultra-violet radiation? This is a matter of some urgency.
I will take positive ac-tion when I get a report on the meeting which took place on 13 and 14 November 1978.
Is it the position that the Department and the Government have no proposals at present for control on the use of aerosols?
We are working on it. We know what the problem is. We know it is not serious. We intend to take action before it gets serious.
The Minister knows it is not serious? Has he any proposals on his desk for curbs of any kind?
I am awaiting a report on the meeting which took place on 13 and 14 November 1978. As soon as I get that report I will take the necessary action.
I presume the Minister did not mean to imply that a possible increase in skin cancer is not a serious matter. I want to confirm that the Minister has no proposals at present. A simple yes or no will suffice.
We are working on it and the decision I will take will be well informed. It will be based on the best information available.
(Cavan-Monaghan): The Minister could be waiting for the next 20 years.