Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 7

Written Answers. - Giant Hogweed.

John Bruton

Question:

89 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the increase in the incidence of giant hogweed in Ireland in view of the danger it poses to human health, particularly children; and if he will give details of the parts of Ireland where the incidence of this is more severe.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

It has been indicated clearly in replies to previous parliamentary questions and in the course of an Adjournment Debate on 10 July, 1992, that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry has no function in relation to giant hogweed. The weed has no agricultural implications so the question of any action under legislation for which I have responsibility does not arise.