asked the Minister for Agriculture the particulars of any regulations made under the Poisons Act, 1961, which would afford protection against the use of poisonous substances to agricultural workers.
Written Answers . - Poisons Act, 1961 .
28.
: The Poisons Act, 1961 (Paraquat) Regulations, 1975, provide that Paraquat or preparations containing more than 5 per cent of it must be clearly labelled "poison" and may be sold only from outlets entitled to sell poisons. This is the only regulation on poisonous substances in agriculture so far made under the Poisons Act, 1961.
The question of introducing a scheme requiring the registration and approval of pesticides is at present under examination in my Department and preliminary discussions on it are being held with trade, farming and other interests.
My Department are also taking part in discussions on EEC draft directives relating to the availability, labelling and classification by danger of all pesticides.