asked the Minister for the Environment if Ireland is now in a position to meet environmental standards in relation to the lead content in petrol and related fuel oils; if Ireland is now observing fully the standards set by the EEC in this regard; and, if not, if he will make a statement on the matter out-lining the Government's attitude to the achievement of such standards.

6.

asked the Minister for the Environment his attitude to the question of the lead content in petroleum sold in this country; if Ireland now meets the requirements of the EEC; and if he will make a statement on this matter.

7.

asked the Minister for the Environment the steps being taken to reduce the level of lead pollution throughout the country.

8.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he will take immediate steps to reduce the lead level in Irish petrol so as to reduce the danger of brain damage to children being caused by lead poisoning.

9.

asked the Minister for the Environment if any steps are being taken to have lead-free petrol put on sale in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Dublin South-East): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 9, inclusive, together.

The EEC Council Directive of 29 June 1978 on the lead content of petrol stipulates a maximum content of 0.40 grammes per litre in the EEC generally, but gives a derogation in the case of this country to allow for the setting of a maximum of 0.64 grammes per litre during the five years commencing on 1 January 1981. The regulations made pursuant to the directive provided accordingly. The derogation was allowed because of the technical and economic problems which the immediate implementation of the lower limit would have created for the Whitegate oil refinery.

Following the suspension of refining operations at Whitegate, all the petrol now being used in the State is imported from EEC countries so that the actual lead level in petrol being sold in this country at present conforms to the general EEC standard of 0.40 grammes per litre.

I understand that, when refining operations are resumed at Whitegate, it is envisaged that the petrol produced there will conform to the general EEC standard. I hope, therefore, to be in a position shortly to amend the regulations so as to prescribe the lower maximum level of 0.40 grammes per litre.

I am not aware of any moves afoot towards providing lead-free petrol in this country. However, there is no statutory prohibition against the placing of such petrol on sale here.

I am aware of studies carried out in other countries the results of which suggest a possible correlation between lead intake and impaired intellectual development of children in particular. The findings of all such studies will be taken into account when determining if and what further action needs to be taken or is feasible to reduce environmental lead levels.

My colleague, the Minister for Health, has already made regulations which control the lead content of some 60 foods and beaverages. His Department advise that exposure to lead poisoning from sources other than lead in petrol may vary according to diet, area lived in, the existence of old leaded paint or pipes in a house or premises and other similar factors

At present monitoring of lead-in-air is carried out at four stations in Dublin city. The operation of the system including the possibility of extending it to other areas is kept under review. The results obtained from the Dublin monitoring have in general proven satisfactory when compared against the standards envisaged in a proposed Directive on Lead-in-Air which is at present under discussion in the EEC.

Have the Minister's Department had specific discussions with the Department of Energy to ensure that the refurbished refinery at Whitegate will have the capacity to produce lead-free petroleum for sale here?

(Dublin South-East): Although I regard that as a separate question——

It arises from the Minister's reply.

(Dublin South-East):——I will look into the matter and furnish the Deputy with details when they become available to me.

On a point of order, is it not a fact that Question No. 9 refers to lead-free petrol? Therefore, Deputy Quinn's supplementary question is not outside the terms of the original question.

I think the Minister has taken that point.

He said it was a separate question.

(Dublin South-East): I did, but I am trying to be of assistance. Deputy Quinn asked a direct question relating to negotiations which may or may not have taken place. I will be happy to furnish that information when it comes to hand.

I am unhappy that the Minister cannot do so now and I believe that information should be contained in his brief. The answer to the question was exceptionally long but the substance was varied. We are not meeting the requirements of the EEC. When Whitegate is opened again we will be selling our own petrol. Will that refinery have the capacity to produce the kind of petrol to which Deputy Briscoe's question relates? If such information is not in the Minister's brief, the person who compiled the brief was not doing the job properly.

(Dublin South-East): I would not suggest that the brief is incomplete. I have given the Deputy an assurance that I will furnish the information to him personally as soon as I can. I have no hesitation in saying that I should like to see lead-free petrol available as a choice, as is the case in many other countries. I regard it as a very serious matter and I am pleased that we will be coming into line with EEC stipulations. I should like to see a choice being made available and I regard this as a social obligation on those who sell petrol.

I thank the Minister for his later remarks and I agree entirely with them. In the light of recent research in this area, would the Minister not agree that it is desirable, rather than seeking to comply with the minimum code under EEC regulations, that we take steps to ensure within a short time a legal requirement that all petrol be zero lead-rated? Would the Minister not also agree that recent research has indicated that minimum EEC standards may not provide sufficient protection for children and that there is a very real need for zerorating? In relation to Whitegate, I would ask the Minister to take the necessary steps, with the Minister for Education, to ensure that the refinery will provide lead-free oil and not oil which simply complies with an EEC standard which is now proving not to provide the necessary protection.

(Dublin South-East): Yes, but the question from Deputy Quinn was a direct one relating to negotiations. I could give the House an assurance that Whitegate will comply with EEC standards and perhaps that would be of some help.

I am giving Deputy Briscoe the opportunity to ask one supplementary question.

The Minister mentioned the derogation granted to this country by the EEC. Is there any time limit on this derogation?

(Dublin South-East): Yes, five years from 1 January 1981.

So by 1986 we will have to conform with the rest of the EEC.

(Dublin South-East): That would not follow; it can be altered. It would be the prerogative of the Government. We are not obliged to comply with a concession. Deputy Shatter urged that Whitegate should produce lead-free petrol. If this can be done such a request will be put to them.

When the Government decided to take over the Whitegate refinery, is the Minister aware that I, as Minister of State, issued instructions that the refinery should comply with EEC regulations regarding the lead content of petrol? Is he further aware that it is technically possible for the refinery to produce lead-free petrol, but at a cost? Could the Minister establish the cost of so doing?

(Dublin South-East): I am not aware of the first two parts of the question. As regards the cost, I am sorry I cannot give the House that information.