Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent if any to which the use of gypsum for animal bedding is controlled or banned throughout the EU and this jurisdiction, having particular regard to damage cause by the production of hydrogen sulphite when allowed into slurry storage tanks or anaerrobic situations; if cognissance has been taken of loss of life situations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13354/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised that use of gypsum as a bedding material is a recent development but that only a very small number of farmers are using it with lime and sawdust more commonly used as bedding material for cubicle beds for Dairy and Suckler cows.

Slurry is an inherently dangerous material that produces toxic gasses including hydrogen sulphide particularly during agitation. The addition of gypsum to slurry has the potential to increase the toxic gas levels, but all slurry is highly dangerous and must be handled with great caution. My Department is currently examining the potential of the use of gypsum to increase the level of hydrogen sulphide production in slurry.

Other jurisdictions are also currently evaluating the use of gypsum as a bedding material with research being carried out in the United Kingdom. It is expected that this research will be completed by the end of the year.

My Department has been in contact with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and Teagasc and will consider what action, if any, may be necessary.

Farm safety is a number one priority and my Department works closely with the HSA on farm safety issues. My Department is represented on the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee which includes representatives from the HSA, Teagasc, IFA, ICMSA amongst others.

My Department has issued guidance on the safe handling of slurry and this should be followed at all times. Slurry should only be agitated from a point outside of the animal house, with all of the animals removed from the house, all doors and vents fully opened, and on a breezy day. Further, for best practice, operators should also stand back from tank while the tank is being agitated as toxic gasses will be released during the agitation of any slurry.