Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have discussed this matter with the Minister of State previously. It is of particular concern to parents of young children and was recently covered by RTE's "The Consumer Show". Liquid detergent tablets are fairly innocuous household products that many of the Deputies present are familiar with and have bought and used. They are growing in popularity because they are handy, compact, mess free and brightly coloured, wherein lies the problem. Unfortunately, their design and size makes them irresistible to toddlers. While the liquid inside the tablets may be effective at cleaning clothes, it is incredibly harmful and has been the cause of a significant number of severe eye injuries among young children.

Several brands contain alcohol. Combined with other ingredients, this can destroy the tissue of the cornea. There are instances of up to 80% of corneas being burned off by the liquid. However, these products are only labelled as irritants and, as such, do not warrant or attract the level of concern that is necessary. This is a technicality, as the damaged tissue can regenerate within 21 days. However, doctors have pointed out that a child will be in extreme pain or discomfort during that period. A child burned by the chemical in the liquid detergent tablets could face a lifetime of impaired vision and discomfort. An ophthalmic surgeon from the Temple Street Children's Hospital, Mr. Ian Flitcroft, is so concerned by the dangers of these capsules that he recently co-authored a letter to the Lancet medical journal calling for the introduction of child-proof containers for these products. As parents know, it is difficult to keep an eye on a child at all times. Since the tablets are so attractive to children, Mr. Flitcroft believes that these products should be labelled as unsuitable for homes with young children.

A simple label on which is written "Irritant" does not convey the level of risk posed by these tablets to young children. Alarmingly, the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland received 144 inquiries from parents in 2011 regarding incidents involving detergent tablets. This makes them the most common source of poisoning. We must address this high figure.

Having been approached by "The Consumer Show", I must admit to being shocked, as the Minister of State would be, by the severity and scale of the problem. Some of the manufacturers have stated that they will improve labelling and packaging, but this might not go far enough. The Irish Cosmetics, Detergent and Allied Products Association, ICDA, has promised changes in packaging and-or the tablets in response to growing concerns via a stewardship programme. However, we must go further. As legislators, what can we do?

Could the Department step in and ask for a change in the labelling on this packaging in view of the high number of incidents and the fact that it is currently the number one cause of household poisoning in the country?

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