Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - PVC Ban.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

94 D'fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Tánaiste agus Aire Fiontar, Trádála agus Fostaíochta cén plean atá aici cosc a chur ar PVI i mbréagáin mar atá déanta sa Danmhairg, sa Fhrainc, san Fhionlainn, san Iodáil, sa Ghréig, sa tSualainn agus san Ostair, agus an gcuirfidh sí feachtas ceart fógraíochta ar bun i leith na ceiste seo. [13701/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

There is already a ban in place, by virtue of an EU Commission decision in December 1999, under the General Product Safety Directive which prohibits the sale of toys or other articles containing PVC which could be put in the mouths of children. The ban lists six substances which form part of PVC articles intended for children under three years of age.

The general issue of PVC in toys is being exam ined at a technical level by the EU. There is no scientific evidence available at this time to warrant a general ban on PVC in toys. Adherence to the ban is monitored by the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 89.

Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 93.