asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the growing international concern at the effect of the use of certain chemicals which damage the earth's ozone shield, which has been the subject of a recent agreement by EC Ministers and that some of the chemicals, as used in aerosols and fast food containers should be cut by at least 20 per cent; if his attention has also been drawn to recent evidence (details supplied) from top American scientists suggesting that greater cuts are necessary to avoid disastrous increases in cancer and blindness; the way in which Ireland intends to cooperate with such international initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Protection of Earth's Ozone Shield.
54.
A number of measures have been developed at international level in response to recent concern about modification of the ozone layer by man-made emissions, especially those connected with the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). EC Council decisions of 1980 and 1982 require a reduction of at least 30 per cent compared with 1976 in the use of CFCs for aerosol cans, as well as a standstill in CFC productive capacity. Under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was concluded in 1985. This is the most comprehensive international instrument for addressing the ozone layer problem, and a protocol to it, designed to place further controls on the use of CFCs, is due to be finalised in September 1987.
Ireland does not produce CFCs and makes very limited use of them for manufacturing purposes. Our consumption of CFCs for aerosol manufacture has decreased by 50 per cent since 1976, i.e. by considerably more than the minimum of 30 per cent required by the EC. We have already indicated at the EC Environment Council our willingness to play a positive part in developing such further controls of CFCs as may be necessary. The Commission is participating on behalf of the Community in the negotiations on the CFC protocol to the Vienna Convention.
Ireland is not yet a party to the 1985 Vienna Convention because legal advice is that it would be more appropriate to ratify it after the Air Pollution Bill, 1986, has been enacted. I intend, subject to Government approval, to bring the necessary ratification motion before the Dáil in due course.