Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 5

Written Answers. - Ultra-Violet Radiation.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

91 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the changes, if any, that have taken place in the intensity of ultra-violet radiation from the sun and in damage to the ozone layer; the effects, if any, of this change on human health; the initiatives, if any, he has taken to alert the public to the danger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11899/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I understand from the Department of the Environment that the only area seriously affected by damage to the ozone layer, which protects the earth from excessive levels of ultra-violet radiation, is over the Antarctic region of the southern hemisphere. Over the Arctic region of the northern hemisphere a small hole in the ozone layer each spring has been identified. Worldwide, the ozone reduction is very slight.

Increased exposure to ultra-violet radiation can cause skin ailments ranging from simple burns to cancer. The Department of Health has produced public information leaflets — General Health Information for People Travelling Abroad and The Sun Seekers Guide to Health. Both of these leaflets provide advice on exposure to the sum. The Meterological Office has recently set up a warning system to advise the public when excessive levels of ultra-violet radiation may occur.

In 1988 the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was agreed. Ireland is a party to the Montreal Protocol which seeks to reduce the production of ozone depleting substances and, ultimately, to phase them out completely. Ireland strongly supports the progressively tighter controls on ozone depleting substances. From a public health perspective, measures that seek to reduce exposure to excessive levels of ultra-violet radiation are to be welcomed and will contribute to reducing the incidence of burns, skin disease and cancer.