I have had submitted to me a number of Private Notice Questions in the names of Deputies Joe Sherlock, Thomas Enright and Maureen Quill concerning the subject matter of the alleged widespread availability of an alcoholic veterinary preparation containing poison. Will the Deputies put their questions in the order they were submitted to me?
Private Notice Questions. - Bogus Vodka.
asked the Minister for Finance in view of the widespread public concern and the potential damage to the licensed trade, the investigations which are being carried out into the sale of animal medicine which contains strychnine described as vodka which came to light in the Cork area over the weekend, the measures, if any, which are being taken to ensure that vodka on sale to the public is authentic and does not pose a threat, the number of outlets in which the bogus vodka was found to be on sale; if it is intended to take any measures against those involved in this fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the imminent danger to health arising out of the widespread availability of an alcoholic veterinary preparation containing poison currently being sold illegally under registered vodka brand names, if he will make a statement indicating clearly the action he proposes to have taken on the matter.
I propose to take these two Private Notice Questions together.
It would not be appropriate for me to give particulars of the ongoing investigation by the Revenue Commissioners which uncovered the illicit trade in so called vodka last week. I wish to assure the House that everything possible is being done to find the bogus vodka and any suspect spirits are at present being seized for examination.
The Revenue Commissioners have the full co-operation of the trade, including Irish Distillers, in this task. Moreover, the environmental health officers of the relevant health authorities have been alerted to carry out checks for the bogus vodka at selected outlets. So far samples of the illicit spirit have been found at about 40 locations.
Would the Minister not agree that this is one of the most serious cases of abuse of consumer rights to emerge in recent years and that this emphasises the need for strengthening consumer legislation? One recalls that five or six years ago in Spain hundreds of people were killed or suffered illness by drinking contaminated olive oil.
I agree with what the Deputy said and I am sure the Minister for Industry and Commerce will take into account any changes that may be necessary in relation to consumer legislation.
Will the Minister confirm that having regard to the reported quantity of alcohol involved it is unlikely that this enterprise could have been planned without access to the product on a wholesale basis? Will he indicate clearly whether inquiries in the trade will take this aspect into consideration? Is he prepared to tell us exactly where the 40 outlets he mentioned are? Is he of the opinion that the Garda should be involved at this stage?
The answer to the first and second parts of the Deputy's question is, yes. The answer to the third part of her question is that the 40 locations are in different parts of the country, mainly Dublin and Cork. The answer to the fourth part of the question is yes.
My question was obviously to the Minister for Health. Would the Minister for Finance not agree that it is very necessary that the public should know where these 40 outlets are if we are to protect their health?
In relation to the point raised by the Deputy, the first Private Notice Question was to the Minister for Finance. This was sent to me and the Ceann Comhairle then sent the Deputy's question. I replied to that part of the Deputy's question when I said that the environmental health officers of the relevant health authorities had been alerted to carry out checks for the bogus vodka at selected outlets.
In view of the fact that the bogus vodka was discovered by accident, would the Minister tell the House how often spot checks in pubs or off-licences are carried out to ensure that people are getting what they pay for? Would he tell us if he is having discussions with the organisations representing publicans to ensure that this abuse is not repeated?
This was not found out by accident. The Revenue Commissioners were aware of some illicit activities and it was due to their investigations that this operation was discovered, and they will continue to work in this way.
Would the Minister, as a matter of urgency, put in train the necessary steps to ensure that the product involved is adulterated with a chemical which can be leached out by simple filtration and that an indelible dye will be used as part of the necessary safeguard to ensure that when people buy vodka in future they will not be drinking this poisonous substance?
I am sure the authorities dealing with the matter will take the Deputy's views into account.
We need to be reassured more strongly than that.
I apologise for not being here to read my question. I want to ask the Minister if Customs and Excise officials carry out regular checks in hotels and licensed premises?
I am quite convinced they do because I had a number of complaints from Deputies around the country before this issue arose about the activities of the Revenue Commissioners.
That disposes of Questions — ordinary, priority and private notice questions for today.