Bernard Allen
Ceist:158 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will have investigations made into the use of slug pellets, some of which are deemed to be injurious to wild life and especially birdlife. [17164/97]
Written Answers. - Slug Pellets.
Before molluscides, such as slug pellets, are authorised under the European Communities (Authorisation, Placing on the Market, Use and Control of Plant Protection Products) Regulations 1994 to 1997, a scientific evaluation has to be carried out of the products. This evaluation includes an assessment of the toxicity to birds and other non-target species. If plant protection products are used in accordance with the approved label and instructions, there is no danger to birdlife.
The use of such products in a manner other than that provided for on product labels is an offence.