Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Minister of State, Deputy Andrews, is seeking to extend that date for another few months, pending discussions that are ongoing with the Vietnamese authorities, so that the issue does not lapse. I will ask his office to contact the Deputy and provide her with the up-to-date situation.

The Minister for Health and Children stated yesterday that, following a Government decision, she had signed the statutory instrument required to give effect to the Council's decision to subject BZP to control measures and criminal sanctions. It is no longer for sale around the country, something that had been an issue of concern to the Deputy and others.

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