Brian Cowen
Ceist:54 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to counter the dangers to users of sheep dips containing organophosphates licensed by his Department. [8785/95]
Written Answers. - Organophosphate Dips.
Eoin Ryan
Ceist:64 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of cases reported to the National Drugs Advisory Board on foot of complaints about the use of organophosphate-based sheep dips; the dates of these complaints; the progress to date; the intended direction and anticipated date for report of an investigation promised by the Minister of State at his Department in reply to the Adjournment Debate on the matter on 4 May 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8610/95]
Eoin Ryan
Ceist:70 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Health whether his Department keeps in close contact with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and other relevant agencies, on aspects of the agricultural industry which would have implications for human health, namely the danger to human health of organophosphorous sheep dips; and his views on the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 97 to the effect that he was made aware of complaints of ill health attributed to the usage of organophosphate dips. [9346/95]
Limerick East): I propose to answer Questions Nos. 54, 64 and 70 together.
I am advised by the National Drugs Advisory Board that on foot of requests from it to companies marketing organophosphate based sheep-dips the board was notified of two suspected adverse drug reactions occurring in 1992 and three in 1993. The board also received five complaints during this period from individuals who reported side-effects of various sheep-dips over many years including some relating to products no longer on the market here. In 1994 two further reports were received by the board, one of which involved side-effects of unspecified organophosphate sheep dips over a ten year period. The National Drugs Advisory Board monitors suspected adverse drug reactions to veterinary medicinal products by means of a voluntary notification system by the medical, pharmacy and veterinary professions and by direct requests to companies marketing sheep dips.
Both the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and my own Department maintain close contact on issues such as this. The memberships of the National Drugs Advisory Board and the Food Safety Advisory Committee are largely drawn from both Departments as are the members of the Poisons Board.
The National Drugs Advisory Board is currently preparing a full report on the use of organophosphate based sheep-dips and has advised that the report should be completed within two months. Officials of my Department are keeping in contact with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and with the National Drugs Advisory Board regarding developments.
As pointed out by my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry in a reply to a question on this matter on 16 May it is advisable for flockowners to observe the manufacturer's instructions in using sheep-dips. There is a responsibility on the user to take the recommended precautions. In a survey of sheep farmers carried out in 1992 only 10 per cent of individuals questioned wore the correct protective clothing. In assessing the safety of these products the National Drugs Advisory Board takes account of possible hazards to persons who handle or administer them. The board recommends that farmers follow precisely the precautions and directions stated on the labels of all medicinal products. When the board has completed its report I will be in a position to determine what action, if any, needs to be taken to further safeguard the health of persons using sheep-dips.