asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the number of chemical/pharmaceutical companies which are operating in this country at present; the number of these which have been grant-aided; the amount of employment they provide; the nature of the product produced; the nature of the waste resultant from the processes; and the way in which the various companies dispose of this waste.
Written Answers. - Chemical/Pharmaceutical Companies.
42.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that some 220 chemical/pharmaceutical companies are currently operating in the State, the majority of which have been grant-aided. Total employment is estimated at over 12,000 persons.
The range of products manufactured by the industry is very wide but includes, for example, basic organic and inorganic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, industrial and agricultural chemicals, paints, varnishes, printing inks, household and office chemicals, soaps, detergents and toilet preparations.
The nature of the waste resultant from chemical/pharmaceutical plants and the way in which it is disposed of is a matter for the local authorities in whose areas they operate. When established, the environmental protection agency will also have a substantial role in this regard.