John Ellis
Ceist:59 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Health the research, if any, he proposes to carry out regarding the medical consequences for those using organophosphate sheep dip. [4741/96]
Written Answers. - Use of Sheep Dips.
Limerick East): Last May, I asked the National Drugs Advisory Board to report to me on the potential human health consequences of the use of organophosphate sheep dips. This work has been completed and the findings made available to the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and other relevant bodies. A report of the work will be published in due course but I have made arrangements to have the findings supplied immediately to the Deputy.
The work involved a review of safety in the use of sheep dips and of the potential ways in which these products can affect human health. It took into account work done in other countries and the current published literature. The findings emphasised the need for precautions in their use and for appropriate training of those selling and using them. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has now developed training aids for users and arrangements for the introduction of training courses for those selling the products are at an advanced stage.