James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I am sure the Minister is aware that mercury poses a strong health hazard. We replaced mercury thermometers on health grounds. Are we not placing young children in danger of greater mercury exposer from these bulbs? The instructions for coping with broken CFL bulbs amount to dealing with a major incident. I question whether they are an environmental bonus or a retrograde step and another hazard for householders. What provisions are made for low income families to enable the changeover to energy efficient bulbs? These will place a major financial burden on many people.

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