Bernard Allen
Question:293 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will issue new directives and regulations on the use of aldicarb which was recently used on cucumbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Use of Pesticides.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:302 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the serious situation which arose because of the use of an unprescribed chemical on cucumbers, he will outline the proposals he has to ensure that a similar situation will not occur again; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that similar chemicals maybe used on other plants and vegetables; and if he will consider introducing legislation to have this type of activity curbed in view of the danger it poses to human health.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 302 together.
Regulations and information on the use of aldicarb, if properly adhered to, are adequate to ensure the safe use of the chemical. The consequences of the recent incident with cucumbers and the associated publicity will have underlined the importance to every trader and grower in the country of adhering to the labelling instructions. My Department is maintaining, for the moment, a special monitoring and certification procedure for cucumbers in relation to freedom from aldicarb in order to protect and reassure customers.
Controls on the sale and use of all pesticides are being kept under review in the light of developments both nationally and within the EC, with a view to improving the level of protection and safety to human health and the environment.