Vol. 559 No. 2
84 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the considerations of the European Commission regarding possible changes to the Common Agricultural Policy in order to discourage pesticide use due to risks to human health have been brought to his attention; if he has any input into these considerations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25751/02]
The sixth Community environment action programme provides for the development of a thematic strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides with the aim of reducing the impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment.
In the context of that strategy, the Commission submitted its communication, Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable use of Pesticides to Council and Parliament in July 2002. That document called for the development of a strategy on the sustainable use of plant protection products that inter alia would minimise the hazards and risks to health and environment from use of pesticides. The Council of Ministers accepted the strategy and invited the Commission to submit proposals for additional controls on the use and distribution of pesticides, linked directly to support payments and the penalty system operating under the Common Agricultural Policy.
The additional measures to be proposed by the Commission are intended to complement the regulatory framework already in place for plant protection products, Directive 91/414/EC, which has as its objective the maintenance of a very high level of protection for humans, animals and the environment.
