asked the Minister for Agriculture the measures in operation to prevent chemical pollution in agriculture.
Written Answers. - Chemical Pollution in Agriculture.
49.
There are no measures in operation which are specifically designed to prevent chemical pollution in agriculture. In so far as normal usage of pesticides is concerned I am advised that there is no evidence to suggest that the use of pesticides in Ireland has given rise to problems in this sector. However, in view of the number of new products coming on the market and the increasing use of pesticides generally my Department have been considering the introduction of a pesticide registration scheme under which pesticides would require prior approval before being marketed. In addition, EEC directives which will come into operation on 1 January 1981 will provide for the prohibition of sale of some pesticides and will lay down elaborate labelling and packaging requirements for dangerous pesticides.
Regarding the aerial application of chemicals, my Department co-operates with the Department of Transport and Tourism in prescribing the conditions under which these operations may be carried out, bearing in mind the possible danger of pollution.
The Diseases of Animals Act, 1966, prohibits the use of a dipping place for sheep if such use would injuriously affect the water in any stream, reservoir, aqueduct, well, pond or other place constructed or used for the supply of water for drinking or other domestic purposes.
There are also regulations which provide that where there is on any land a place used for dipping sheep the owner or occupier of such land shall, after each occasion on which the place is so used, cleanse the place and so dispose of the sheep bath used that no river, well or water supply is thereby tainted or poisoned. When dossiers are submitted by manufacturers with a view to having particular chemicals authorised for use as additives in feeding stuffs it is customary to seek information regarding the possible residual aspects of the chemicals concerned.