Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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847. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the plans he has to introduce legislation to ban the use of Chinese Lanterns due to the fire hazard they represent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36860/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Chinese or sky lanterns present a range of issues in addition to the potential fire hazards they pose. They may affect aviation and coastal rescue services and pose a risk to animals and the environment. At present, their use requires prior permission from the Irish Aviation Authority.

I am referring the issue to my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation who deals with the importation and sale of dangerous goods, with a view to consideration of an appropriate safety strategy covering the procurement and use of these items.