Paraquat poisoning deaths
The Minister reported 63 paraquat poisoning deaths from 1978 to 1982 and outlined tighter sales controls introduced in 1983. He had no age breakdown, gave annual figures and causes for several years, and undertook to inquire about deaths among children.
asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have died as a result of drinking paraquat in the last five years; and, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
According to information supplied to my Department by the Garda Síochána, the total number of deaths caused by paraquat poisoning in the five-year period from 1978 to 1982 was 63.
The Poisons Regulations, 1982, which came into effect on 1 March 1983, incorporate stringent controls in relation to this substance provided for in earlier regulations. Paraquat may be sold only by pharmacists or other persons licensed by the health boards. It may only be sold for use in agriculture, horticulture or forestry and may not be sold to any person who is not known by the seller or who is not certified in a manner provided for in the regulations as being a person entitled to purchase such preparation. A record has to be kept of each sale of paraquat and must include the name and address of the purchaser.
Paraquat must also be sold in its original sealed container. It must have the words "poison" legibly written on the label and also the following warning:
Keep out of the reach of children. Do not re-pack from this container. Destroy container when empty.
There have been no cases of deaths resulting from the use of paraquat in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and I cannot see that any tighter restrictions which I might apply to its sale would materially alter the situation.
Comment on this
Is the Minister in a position to indicate, in relation to the 63 deaths to which he has referred, the age groups of these persons, in a general way? I would not expect the Minister to be specific in relation to each person.
Comment on this
I have no breakdown as to age groups, but my information for 1981 showed that there were six cases of suicide, one accident case and two uncertain cause cases. That gives a total of nine persons killed by paraquat in 1981. In 1982, there were seven cases of suicide and one uncertain cause case, giving a total of eight. However, the reduction has been considerable. In 1978, there were 11 suicide cases and a total of 22 persons died. In 1979, 12 persons died and in 1980, 12 persons died.
I can make inquiries for the Deputy in relation to children and will communicate with him on that.