Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2015
84. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are spraying courses held for farmers in County Clare; the cost of same, if not funded; if it is a once-off; the type it covers, for example, tractor and spray beam, back-sack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21023/15]
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.
DAFM 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.
All Professional Users must be appropriately trained i.e. trained for the specific type of application equipment they will be using (e.g. boom sprayer, knapsack etc.).
Training is offered by Teagasc and a number of independent providers throughout the country. There is a list of providers of training courses available on the DAFM website (http://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/SUD.htm). This list is updated regularly.
As each provider has its own pricing structure, potential participants can get details on the cost of courses by contacting them directly.
