Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
174. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action that he is taking to end the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in biodegradable containers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17854/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPer- and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals used for their water repellent and heat resistant characteristics and can be found in many everyday products, such as outdoor clothing, non-stick coatings on cookware, fire-fighting foam as well as food packaging. Approximately 4,700 PFAS have been identified to date. PFAS are a significant concern in the EU and globally as they can cause long-lasting environmental damage and potentially adverse health impacts. In this regard it is important that they are strongly regulated at an EU level. In recent years the EU has set in place a number of new strategies aimed at strengthening chemical legislation to ensure that chemicals are safe and sustainable by design, and that the most hazardous chemicals are banned. My Department actively engages with the EU in this matter and strongly supports the initiatives being undertaken. These include: - EU Farm to Fork Strategy: The Commission is currently revising food contact materials legislation to improve food safety and public health. The proposed revisions are to be published by end of 2022. - EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability: The Commission is proposing a set of actions to address the use of, and contamination with, PFAS. This includes a commitment to address PFAS with a group approach and to only allow PFAS use where it is proven to be essential. In addition, the European Commission-led review of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive is ongoing and may include measures to deal with compostable packaging, mandating recycled content in plastic packaging, reuse, prevention, and restricting substances of concern. I am committed to ensuring that Ireland plays a lead role in pushing the level of ambition for proposals emerging from the review.
