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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 1969

Vol. 242 No. 4

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Effects of DDT.

14.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state, having regard to the ban on the use of DDT as a pesticide in California and other American states, whether it is proposed to ban or restrict its use as a pesticide in Ireland; whether studies are being made of the harmful effect which DDT may have on the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The pesticide DDT is used only to a very limited extent on agricultural and horticultural crops and on livestock in this country and I am advised that there is no evidence to suggest that the extent of its usage for these purposes would present a hazard to human or animal life or to the environment. Special studies on the effects of organo-chlorine pesticides, which include DDT, on wild life and the environment have been carried out by An Foras Talúntais. Studies on the effects of such pesticides on wild life, and on freshwater fish and their environment are at present being carried out by the Department of Lands and my Department respectively.

The position is being kept under review in the light of these and other relevant studies.

Will the Minister publish the results of the research investigations which are going on at the moment?

I should have to look at them to see whether it would be possible to do so.

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