Vol. 525 No. 5
226 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the pesticide rotenone is in use here; the plans he has to investigate possible links between this pesticide and Parkinson's disease; if his attention has been drawn to any research which implies such a link; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25868/00]
The substance, rotenone, is a naturally occurring extract from the root of the "Derris" plant and is used as an insecticide and acaricide. Plant protection products containing rotenone are available for use on the Irish market although the quantities being imported for use are very small, in 1998 only three kilograms were imported.
Rotenone is included in the list of active substances to be evaluated in the context of the EU review programme under Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market. My Department is actively participating in this review programme which will examine the possible effects on human and animal health and on the environment. The review programme has identified rotenone as a low priority substance for evaluation due to its natural origins. I am not aware of any research which links the use of rotenone with Parkinson's disease.
