Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2015
262. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the qualification that is required for persons to provide training under the new mandatory training courses for persons wishing to use an agricultural sprayer; the courses that have to be followed to receive this qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8755/15]
View answerThe Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive establishes a framework for European Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by setting minimum rules to reduce the risks to human health and the environment that are associated with pesticide use. It also promotes the use of integrated pest management. The Directive is designed to further enhance the high level of protection achieved through the entire regulatory system for pesticides. Implementation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive relies heavily on the training of the various people involved at all levels of the industry, including Professional Users i.e. any individual who applies professional use Plant Protection Products.
My Department recognises the following courses as meeting the standard of training required for Professional Users under the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive:
-FETAC 5N0731 – Handheld Sprayer.
-FETAC 5N1797 – Boom Sprayer.
-City & Guilds PA1 + PA2a – Boom Sprayer.
-City & Guilds PA1 + PA6 – Handheld Sprayer.
In order to become a provider of these courses, an individual must have the programme/course accredited by the relevant Awarding Body, in this case either Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) (the successor to FETAC) or the City and Guilds. In the case of QQI, any provider seeking programme accreditation must first have approval of its Quality Assurance system. Only when this has been achieved can QQI consider an application for validation of any specific programme. Providers are responsible for the development, maintenance, provision and internal quality assurance of their own programmes and must have procedures in place for assessing enrolled learners on those programmes.
