I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 to 252, inclusive, together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the competent authority for pesticides in Ireland.
Pesticide active substances contained in pesticide products (plant protection products or biocidal products) are approved centrally at EU level based on detailed assessments and a rigorous peer review process managed by the European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency.
Products are subsequently authorised, or not, nationally by the relevant competent authorities, in accordance with evaluation and decision-making criteria agreed at EU level. Products are only authorised if it can be reliably concluded that the intended uses are effective and safe. It must be robustly demonstrated that there are no unacceptable impacts on human and animal health and the environment.
It should be noted that there are no pesticide products authorised in Ireland to kill birds or animals, apart from rodenticide products for the control of rats and mice.
There are also a range of mandatory controls on the use of pesticides including a requirement for training and registration of professional users of these products.
Users are not obliged to seek sanction from the Department prior to use since the allowed uses and authorisation conditions are assessed in detail as part of the decision making process on whether or not to permit products to be placed on the market. Products placed on the market must only be used in accordance with the conditions of use as detailed on the product label.
Regarding the specific matter referred to, Department officials have conducted an investigation and no non-compliances with the relevant pesticide regulations were identified.
My Department continues to verify compliance with pesticide legislation and takes seriously any complaints or allegations of non-compliance and will continue to do so in the future.
