Pesticide Use

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017

Tuesday, 21 February 2017

Questions (577)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

577. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has sought an exemption from the European Commission for the use of imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, which are neo-nicitinoids and the use of which is currently restricted in the EU; if so, the reason in view of the fact that the European Food Safety Authority has confirmed that neo-nicitinoids are harmful to pollinators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8750/17]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I can confirm that my Department has not sought any “exemptions” or derogations as provided for under Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 to allow the use of neonicotinoids in crops which are already covered under the existing restrictions of Regulation (EU) No 485/2013.