John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

We have examined all those issues. This is why we are giving a certain amount of flexibility so that people can avail of the halogen bulbs, which do not have the same effect. The Deputy talked about re-introducing mercury but it has been with us for quite some time. The fluorescent tube that we are familiar with for over 50 years contains mercury. Deputy Bannon referred to ultra violet exposure and medical advice. A 1993 report from Australia found that ultraviolet exposure from sitting under typical office fluorescent lights for eight continuous hours is the equivalent of just over one minute of sun exposure. These are the facts and we have had far too much hysteria. Anytime one tries to do something of value, there is opposition. This is a well thought-out proposal. We have examined the difficulties cited and have addressed them in a sensible way.

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