Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a matter of health and safety. It has been brought to my attention that commercial interests are promoting the sale of gypsum products for use as animal bedding in slatted units and other holding facilities. Gypsum, when washed into slurry pits, will break down in the anaerobic conditions in a pit over time, thus releasing the extremely toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. The gas can be detected at low levels due to its smell of rotten eggs, and can thus be avoided; however, at higher levels it knocks out nasal sensors and will kill instantly. We are all aware of the high-profile case of the Spence family in Northern Ireland who died due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in a slurry pit. I understand that the use of gypsum for the purpose of bedding is now banned in Northern Ireland and has been banned for that purpose in England and Scotland. It is unbelievable that gypsum is sold in the Republic of Ireland without any warning of this danger. To prevent further loss of life, I ask that the Leader bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is unbelievable that we allow the sale of this material in the Republic after the Spence tragedy in recent months. I ask that the Leader organise for the Minister to address the issue when he next attends the House, before we have further loss of life.