Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 1

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Organo-Phosphate Compounds.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

16 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his Department has carried out research into the effects on human health of organo-phosphate compounds incorporated in recommended sheep dips; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Theresa Ahearn

Ceist:

46 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his Department has carried out research into the effects on human health of organo-phosphate compounds incorporated in recommended sheep dips; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

96 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his Department has carried out research into the effects on human health of organo-phosphate compounds incorporated in recommended sheep dips; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 46 and 96 together.

The safety of all veterinary medicinal products, including sheep dips is a matter for the National Drugs Advisory Board. All sheep dips currently on the market are approved.

The question is not about the safety of sheep dips, it concerns the safety of people dipping sheep. Is the Minister aware that a study carried out in the UK in 1951, 42 years ago, recommended the use of protective clothing when using these organo-phosphate compounds? Has the Minister reviewed lately the safety directions and the directions for use on these products when they come to be sold at retail level?

All veterinary medicinal products have been approved by the National Drugs Advisory Board. This process is to determine the safety, efficacy and quality of the product and takes account of all available data in these areas. The NDAB does not initiate research but evaluates all data submitted by the companies seeking approval, that is, the company must submit proof of safety. In assessing safety the NDAB ensures the safety of the operator, the animal, the consumer, where food animals are concerned, and the environment. Conditions of use are aimed at maximising protection under those headings. Organo-phosphates presents something of a dilemma between operator and animal welfare. The risks to human safety are minimised by adherence to manufacturer's instructions in dispensing the product.

The existence of risk if instructions are ignored is acknowledged but there is no suitable alternative yet approved. The lack of an alternative effective dip could lead to serious welfare problems. The situation is being closely monitored by the Irish and UK authorities in a search for an alternative solution for the sheep scab problem. Indeed, the Department here has carried out clinical trials in relation to an innoculation and we are now proceeding towards field trials. An organo-phosphate is not involved here obviously but we are hoping that innoculation will prove to be a successful method of dealing with scab because we believe it can lead to eradication rather than control of the problem. Obviously, the field trials are very important and we must await their outcome. Innoculation would be welcomed by farmers because not only does it deal with sheep scab but with other problems also and eliminates much of the physical labour involved in sheep dipping.

I was very interested to hear about the researches that are taking place. However, I will not hold my breath waiting for the results of those because they have been going on for quite some time. Would it be fair on my part to conclude from what the Minister said that he believes the health and safety of farmers using these compounds is a matter entirely for the National Drugs Advisory Board and that the Minister is concerned about it? Would it be fair also to conclude that the Minister has not examined lately the safety recommendations on these packages?

Under the sheep dipping orders 1965 to 1991 the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry approves dips for sheep dipping. The approval process involves efficacy tests organised by the veterinary research laboratory. There are currently 16 sheep dips, a list of which is circulated to all local authorities and the administration of sheep dipping functions is the responsibility of local authorities.

The Minister of State is not worried about the problem?

Barr
Roinn