Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 7

Written Answers. - Drinking Water Contamination.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

77 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has sought a reduction of EC controls on the concentration of agricultural pesticides in drinking water; the reason for this move, in view of the potential dangers of pesticide contamination of drinking water; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

Neither I nor my Department have sought a reduction of EU controls on the concentration of agricultural pesticides in drinking water. In fact, a new body of EU legislation, part of which has already been adopted by Council, tightens the controls on the approval and use of pesticides, based on the most up-to-date scientific information. I have supported the measures.

I am fully aware of the potential risks of pesticide contamination of drinking water. The present standards for water quality were established in the seventies on the basis of what is known as the precautionary principle, namely that pesticide presence should not exceed the lowest measurable level. There have been major scientific advances since that time and several member states are now calling for a review of the water standards on the grounds that they should be related to the toxicity of the various pesticides as is the case in fixing maximum levels of residues in foodstuffs. It is recognised that any such review might well result in more stringent standards for some pesticides and less stringent ones for others. Any such changes would have to ensure that human health and the environment were adequately protected. I have supported the proposal for such a review.

I would stress that these are only suggestions at present. The question of pursuing them is a matter for the EU Commission service responsible for environment matters. In this regard the Commission has commenced a procedure of consultation with member states and other interested parties on the subject. In the meantime the present standards remain in force.