Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 552: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with the ESB regarding the traceability, sale, use and disposal of oils which have been used in their electricity transformers, in view of the concern that such oil may have been responsible for the contamination of the food recycling plant which gave rise to the pork industry crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46932/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The operation of electricity transformers is a day-to-day matter for the company and not one in which I have a function.

Nonetheless, I have had enquiries made on this issue and I understand the following is the current position. The companies contracted by the ESB to dispose of oils used in their electricity transformers do not convey any waste products into the food business. The waste oils are used in the production of asphalt for road building purposes. The ESB has longstanding contracts with these companies but in light of the recent pork industry crisis, the ESB undertook discussions with the relevant companies to ascertain the up-to-date position and, based on the assurances it has received, the board is confident of the traceability of such waste products.