Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Although the debate on this process has been done and dusted for about 20 years, I am not aware of the evidence base for setting aside concerns about irradiation. One can buy unrefrigerated fruit and vegetables in the shops and supermarkets that are one or two months old, the reason being that they have been subject to irradiation. What conclusive evidence is available to show irradiation is harmless? Having spent considerable time reading about it, I am not certain it is harmless. Is it permitted on the basis of the balance of available evidence or because the alternative may be a shortage of food? If it is fear of food shortages, that argument could be applied in many other areas. I ask the Minister of State to comment.

For the first time in 50 years, the European Union is experiencing a deficit in food supplies. This is ironic given that the European Economic Community was established, in the first instance, to counter the problem of food scarcity. In the past 18 months, EU imports of food have increased to their highest ever level. We do not know what preservatives are used on these products, whether irradiation has been used or if the processes used comply with European Union regulations. Perhaps the necessity to have access to a steady food supply is considered the lesser of two evils.

The use of detergents has been raised in the House on many occasions and Deputies have heard arguments at local and national level about their widespread availability. While the argument that these substances are harmless has not stood up, nor has the argument that they are a somehow evil. I seek further information in this regard.

This wide-ranging legislation covers the full spectrum of chemicals. The approach taken by other EU member states must be borne in mind. I note the Health and Safety Authority will draw up national codes of practice. Would it not be preferable to give one Department responsibility for all regulation in this area? Is it not inadvisable to give different Departments responsibility for different areas? The Health Service Executive illustrates the problem I highlight. A large number of individuals at senior level of the HSE have authority and responsibility but no one is in charge. This is not an implied criticism of the Minister or anyone else, but a fact of life. As all elected public representatives are aware, all organisations, whether a large business or a local shop, are full of executives who have responsibility. The problem is that one can never find the person with ultimate responsibility. Similarly, the danger with legislation of this nature is that when one dishes out responsibility as if one were dealing cards, one can be certain that nobody will take responsibility.

The Bill refers to five different national authorities spanning the functional responsibilities of five different Departments. How could one go wrong? If one authority fails, responsibility shifts to the second, third or perhaps fifth body.

See this speech in context