Written Answers. - Restrictions on use of Paraquat.
Tony Gregory
Question:
109
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry
the restrictions on the use of paraquat in this country; if paraquat is banned in other European countries; the proposals, if any, he has to review its use in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[7798/95]
The restrictions on the sale and use of paraquat in this country are as follows:
1. in accordance with the Poisons Regulations 1982 to 1991 (S.I. No. 188 of 1982, S.I. No. 51 of 1983, S.I. No. 424 of 1986, S.I. No. 353 of 1991), it may only be sold by pharmacists or licensed outlets to professional users who must sign a poisons register;
2. in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Authorization, Placing on the Market, Use and Control of Plant Protection Products) Regulations (S.I. No. 139 of 1994) its use, other than in accordance with the label instructions approved by the Pesticide Control Service of my Department, is illegal.
In so far as my Department is aware plant protection products containing paraquat are authorised for marketing and use in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Norway, Spain, Austria and the UK. Paraquat is no longer registered in Sweden, Finland or Luxembourg. On expiry of the authorisations for paraquat in these countries, the companies concerned did not seek to have them reauthorised. A prohibition on marketing and use of paraquat was recently introduced in Denmark. I understand that the constitutionality of that prohibition may be challenged through the courts.
Paraquat is currently being examined in the context of the review programme established under the European Union new regulatory regime for plant protection products (Directive 91/414/EEC). The extensive data base, consisting of physical, chemical, toxicological, consumer and worker exposure, and environmental data is currently being evaluated. Depending on the evaluation, decisions will be made on authorisations for marketing and use of plant protection products containing paraquat in EU member states, including Ireland.
