Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of the inherent risks posed by the inappropriate use of aerosol cans, legislation will be introduced to oblige manufacturers to indicate clearly these risks in a similar manner to the warnings carried on cigarette packages; his views on restricting the sale of such products to over-18s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8924/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The principal legislative provisions covering warning labels on dangerous substance products are contained in the European Communities (Classification, Packaging, Labelling and Notification of Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2003 and the use of products by the European Communities (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations 2003. These regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Authority and implement and transpose into Irish law the latest EU directives in the dangerous substances area. Implementation of the regulations governing the labelling and use of dangerous substances is designed to alert users in the most effective manner as to the potential dangers associated with such products and to heighten the general level of awareness of the public in their use of substances of this nature.

With specific regard to aerosols, I draw the Deputy's attention to the European Communities (Aerosol Dispensers) Regulations 1977 and the European Communities (Aerosol Dispensers) (Amendment) Regulations 1995, which address issues related to the manufacture, filling, marketing and labelling of aerosol dispensers. In addition, the European Communities (General Product Safety) Regulations 2004 place a requirement on producers and distributors to ensure that the products they place on the market do not pose a hazard to consumers. Enforcement of these regulations is the responsibility of the Director of Consumer Affairs. The director is given authority to ensure that products placed on the market are safe and that producers and distributors of such products comply with their obligations under these regulations.