Vol. 505 No. 3
82 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the authority under which Coillte is permitted to spray the organochlorine pesticide lindane on sitka spruce plantations; if a licence is required for this spraying; his views on the spraying of chemicals such as lindane within close proximity of schools; and the monitoring, if any, conducted in the use of lindane. [13819/99]
While I have no function in the licensing of pesticides or their use by bodies under my aegis, I understand from Coillte that, in addition to conforming with all statutory requirements, it applies very strict internal procedures in the application of pesticides.
I understand that pesticides such as lindane, which is currently being withdrawn from use by Coillte are applied to individual plants by means of hand held knapsack sprayers and should not create any general risks.
