Michael Noonan
Ceist:37 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the EC policies that are in force to regulate the use of pesticides; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Use of Pesticides.
Edward Nealon
Ceist:74 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the EC policies that are in force to regulate the use of pesticides; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 74 together.
The EC regulations in force regarding the use of pesticides are as follows:
(a) Classification, packaging and labelling of pesticides: All products must be cleared for marketing under these regulations. It involves an assessment of the toxicity, eco-toxicity and physical chemical properties to ensure that there are no unacceptable risks to human health or to the environment.
(b) Prohibition of Dangerous Substances in Pesticides: These prohibit the sale of known dangerous substances, such as DDT, dieldrin, and organochlorine compounds.
(c)Maximum level of Pesticides Residues: These regulations prescribe maximum levels of specific pesticides which may be present on or in fruit, vegetables, cereals, dairying and meat products put on sale. The controls consist of sampling, testing and taking appropriate action against any breaches of the standards. The objective of the regime is to protect consumers.
(d)New regulations on Acceptance of Pesticides: This EC directive was adopted by Council in December 1991 and will come into operation shortly. It extends the harmonised rules for approving pesticides in a number of ways, in which member states will cooperate in the approval of active substances. Formulations will continue to be approved by each member state in accordance with Community rules. This will include evaluation of the efficacy of pesticides.
These combined measures are designed to maintain an acceptable balance between the efficacious use of pesticides as a necessary tool in agricultural output and a satisfactory level of protection and safety to human health and the environment.