Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Local authorities will still need to now what is being put down on land. If, therefore, a person is poisoned, the local authority would be in a position to know who was laying poison, the type used and when and where is was applied. That is not unreasonable. However, it is unreasonable to state that people who are laying poison over prolonged periods should be obliged to give seven days' notice on each occasion they lay it. Perhaps we will try to clarify the position and improve the wording. I remain of the view that when poisons are being laid, local authorities must be informed with regard to where they are being applied and the quantities being used. If a public health issue relating to water arises, they will be in possession of good information with regard to the likely source.

We will reconsider the matter between now and Report Stage and I will try to improve the wording. I understand what the Deputy is saying. There is a practicality here for farmers and we do not want to make life impossible for them. We must, however, ensure that they do not do anything illegal by failing to provide seven days' notice on a regular basis. The provision is practical enough in that regard.