Chemicals proposal will regulate industry

EU governments and the European Parliament have finally come to an agreement concerning the final provisions of what is known as the Reach proposal.

This will govern the future operation of the chemicals industry in Europe. This piece of legislation took seven years to go through the legislative procedures in Europe.

From April 2007, fresh checks will be imposed on over 30,000 chemicals that are used in everyday life in Europe.

This package will ensure the most dangerous chemical substances will be refused permission, while makers of a further 1,500 chemicals will have to submit plans to prove they operate with adequate controls. Chemicals classified as not dangerous will be exempt from fresh tests.

The length of time it has taken to enact this legislation demonstrates the complexity of the issues involved.

As a member of the environment committee in the European Parliament, I believe these final proposals are tough but fair and balanced.

The chemicals industry in Europe needs a greater level of regulatory control and supervision and this proposal achieves this very purpose.

As 40,000 people are employed in Ireland in the chemicals sector, this legislation is very important both from an Irish perspective and environmental and economic viewpoint, too.

Liam Aylward TD MEP

Hugginstown

Co Kilkenny