Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Walsh for contacting the committee with this petition. Understandably, there are challenges there for our environment in what it is facing. A petition like this is especially timely and I believe it is worth examining. It must also be noted that the petitioner is raising a matter of public health and particularly when it comes to the safety of public spaces such as playgrounds that would, in large part, be used by children, young adults and young people. The petition also raises the need to consider the alternatives and why they are not being used.

I will open up the discussion with three quick questions and then I will let in the other members. Will Mr. Walsh summarise some of the points he made in his opening statement and tell us what his concerns are about the current use of pesticides? I would appreciate it if Mr. Walsh could break it down into private use and the use by the public bodies.