asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if a quantity of D.D.T. has been imported into this country for agricultural purposes; if he is aware that some experts are of opinion that this potent insecticide will do great damage to beneficial bees and lady birds; and, if so, if he will make special regulations to meet this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Insecticide.
I have been informed that limited quantities of D.D.T. have been imported into this country for experimental purposes in connection with agriculture. It is understood that investigators have found that this chemical is harmful to bees, but it should be borne in mind that several preparations in regular use for the control of insect pests are also harmful to bees. The evidence available so far indicates that D.D.T. is not likely in practice to be applied to plants during the flowering stage, i.e., at the time they would be normally visited by bees.
Does the Minister not know that D.D.T. is manufactured in this country?
Experimentally only.
I was offered mouse powder and fly powder by a West of Ireland firm last week which is described as D.D.T.
I think it is only experimental so far.
It is on the market, because I bought it.
Perhaps so, but only a very small quantity, I think, so far.
Will the Minister look into the matter? It is certainly being offered in commercial quantities. The use so far is confined to cattle. If the Minister has any apprehensions as to its promiscuous use, perhaps he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to warning the manufacturers that his Department should be consulted before it is promiscuously employed?
Yes; but, as the Deputy realises, all these sprays for plants, trees, etc., are detrimental to bees, but so long as they are not used in the flowering stage the bees are not likely to be injured.
Is the Minister aware that it is alleged—I cannot say proven —that, if D.D.T. is employed, contact with the object that has been sprayed with it is fatal to flies for a period of from six weeks to six months after the application?
Yes, I have seen that stated.
If that were true, the danger to bees would very nearly extend from the harmless period into the period when they were actually pollinating.
Yes, I have seen that statement and, as a matter of fact, in conjunction with the Albert College, my Department is carrying out experiments in regard to the injurious effects on bees.