Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
583. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the existing Government targets with regard to the reduction in use of chemical pesticides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46637/22]
View answerIt is important to note that the scale of pesticide use in Ireland is relatively low compared to many other countries and that Ireland is making good progress in reducing chemical pesticide use as measured by EU indicators. There is no existing legislative target in this regard.
The European Farm to Fork Strategy, aims to reduce the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides in the European Union by 50% and the use of more hazardous pesticides by 50% by 2030.
Finalisation of national targets form part of the proposal for a Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation to replace the existing Directive. this was published by the European Commission on 22 June 2022 and is subject to ongoing discussion.
