Health Minister welcomes EU derogation for NI

The EU has confirmed that Northern Ireland dentists can continue to use dental amalgam until 31 December 2034, or until the date agreed by the global Minamata Convention, to which the UK is a signatory, whichever is earlier.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

The EU has confirmed that Northern Ireland dentists can continue to use dental amalgam until 31 December 2034, or until the date agreed by the global Minamata Convention, to which the UK is a signatory, whichever is earlier.

There are a number of conditions attached to the agreement with the EU, mainly around reporting and showing continued progress to reduce the use of amalgam. The conditions are deemed achievable and in line with the Department of Health’s longer term policy objectives on amalgam use.

News of the extension has been welcomed by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt: “Securing a derogation has been a priority for the Department given the impact it would have had on patients and dental practitioners. I conveyed this message urgently to the Northern Ireland Secretary of State on this issue as soon as he took office, to impress on him the importance of effective action. 

“I am very pleased that this has been secured and that the phasing down of dental amalgam can be taken forward in a much more planned way over the coming years.”

He continued: “For many months, my Department has been working closely with officials in the UK’s Cabinet Office and Department for Health and & Social Care, as well as with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and The Executive Office, to make a strong and compelling case for why Northern Ireland needed this derogation. 

“I am very glad to see our efforts translate into tangible benefits for dental patients and practitioners in this way.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a multilateral environmental agreement that addresses specific human activities which are contributing to widespread mercury pollution.
2. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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