Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of recent research, she will ban the use of baby walkers in line with a decision taken by the Canadian Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4375/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC, transposed into Irish law by S.I. No. 199 of 2004, places the onus on all operators, manufacturers, distributors, importers etc. to ensure that only safe products are placed on the market. If operators become aware that products on the market present a potential hazard they must take appropriate measures up to and including recall of the items, to ensure that the risk is removed. Any action taken by an operator must be notified to the Market Surveillance Authority (National Consumer Agency in Ireland). The Market Surveillance Authority notifies the European Commission of the action through the Rapid Alert Notification System (RAPEX). The Commission transmits the information to all Member States, with a view to their taking appropriate action to protect the safety of consumers in their country.

On 22 December 2008 the European Commission issued a Decision on compliance of Standard EN 1273 of 2005, on baby walkers, with the General Product Safety Directive. This revised Standard, which has been in place since May 2005, provides for stability tests and design requirements geared to improving safety. The Commission indicated that the improved safety measures would increase the passive prevention of accidents arising from the use of baby walkers.

If operators comply with the safety measures built into the revised Standard, they would be regarded as meeting the safety requirements of the General Product Safety Directive. In these circumstances there would be no grounds for introducing a ban. However, if products are found on the European Union market that do not comply with the new safety measures, appropriate action will be taken through the RAPEX system to have these items removed. There have been 12 RAPEX notifications in Europe since 2005 ordering the removal of certain types of babywalkers from the market. The NCA have passed on the notifications to operators in Ireland.