Pressure mounts to have soap plant shut down

THE Government is coming under increasing pressure to shut down a soap plant which campaigners say is producing dangerous products.

"I think it's a disgrace," said MEP Mary Banotti of Arklow-based Killarney Enterprises. "I think there is something very hypocritical about making something which is banned for use here and then sending it to the developing world."

Despite a ban on their sale in Europe, the soaps, which are used to whiten black skin, have become available in ethnic shops around Ireland, prompting authorities to take action.

The plant is one of the few remaining European producers of the soaps described as a serious health hazard by the World Health Organisation.

Management at the plant yesterday refused to comment but Arklow's SIPTU branch secretary George Sheehan said while he was aware of the arguments against the soap there was no evidence it was harmful to those who used it.

Production of the mercury soaps for export is still legal, though numerous African countries have banned their sale because of the health risks of mercury.

A Department of Health official said the production of the soaps may be banned here. "The issue is still being considered."

The move would mean Killarney Enterprises, formerly the Soap Company of Ireland, would have to cease manufacturing the whitening soaps.

The move to stop production of the mercury soaps signals a U-turn on the part of the Government which provided £750,000 in IDA funding to bring the controversial plant to Ireland in 1987. Yesterday the IDA defended giving money to the Arklow plant, spokesperson Colin Donlon saying: "It's a moral debate about the free market economy. As far as the IDA is concerned it's a moral issue. It's the same issue as Irish computers ending up being used in for military purposes. The key issue in the company is in compliance with Irish laws."