Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I can well understand how the Chair would be amazed. I too was amazed. Despite asking all those questions about that subject I ended, at the heel of the hunt, where I started — raising more questions about it. I am glad to say that recently some positive movement has taken place. I am glad to hear we have been forewarned. We have got the St. John of it already through the bigger plan that is coming. I welcome that because a national emergency could come from dangerous spillages, a terrorist attack or a terrorist attack on a storage plant that could result in a dangerous spillage. There are many variations of an emergency that might present itself. I am glad something is being done about that and that something has been put on paper. I am sure we will hear more about it at a later stage. Over the years, Deputies have been made aware of various chemicals which may have carcinogenic properties. The high incidence of cancer means everyone is conscious that certain chemicals may be conducive to the spread of cancer. While I am aware that this issue is covered at European level, I hope none of the products we import, which must comply with regulations, is potentially harmful. I ask the Minister of State to comment on this issue.

I am concerned about the use of preservatives and other methods of preservation, such as irradiation, in the food chain. After so many years as a Deputy, I have been my party's spokesperson on most issues. Like Deputy Charlie O'Connor, I have done nearly everything at this stage, although I have not yet mentioned Tallaght today — I may do so in a moment. In studying these matters, I learned about the extent of the use of irradiation for preservation purposes.

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