Mr. Bill Callanan:

I thank the committee for the invitation to appear before it today. I am joined by my colleagues, Ms Anne Marie Dillon, senior inspector in the pesticide controls division, and Mr. Aidan Moody, senior inspector in the pesticide registration division.

I note the committee has raised some specific questions on the sustainable use of pesticides and I will provide some information on those matters later in the statement. We are happy to provide further information if required. I would like first to provide some context and information on the regulatory framework for authorisation and use of plant protection products in Ireland and on the current requirements regarding pesticide use in public areas.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the competent authority in Ireland with responsibility for the authorisation of plant protection products, including herbicides. Pesticide active substances contained in plant protection products are approved centrally at EU level based on detailed assessments prepared by member state regulatory authorities and a rigorous peer review process managed by the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA. Products are subsequently authorised, or not, nationally by the relevant competent authorities in accordance with scientific evaluation and decision-making criteria specified in EU Regulation No. 1107/2009 and taking account of local agri-environmental conditions. The Department is guided by the scientific opinions and conclusions of EFSA in regulatory approval issues concerning pesticides.

In regard to the use of pesticides, it is important to note the scale of pesticide use in Ireland is relatively low compared with many other countries, as evidenced by an estimated average application rate of 0.67 kg/ha of utilised agricultural area, UAA, which is among the lowest in the EU. Ireland is also making good progress in reducing chemical pesticide use as measured by EU indicators.

Controls on the use of pesticides are implemented under the sustainable use of pesticides directive, Directive 2009/128/EC, which has been transposed into Irish law by SI 155/2012, European Communities (Sustainable Use of Pesticides) Regulations 2012, as amended. The directive specifies various measures to address risks to human health and the environment, including requirements for training and certification of pesticide users, distributors and advisers, and inspection and certification of pesticide application equipment. The use of integrated pest management, IPM, which includes alternative approaches and techniques to chemical use, is also promoted.

The current position regarding use in public areas is that public bodies or others may decide to use approved products if they comply with all the relevant provisions of the sustainable use directive. It is stipulated that pesticides should not be used in areas used by the public unless a risk assessment has shown that their use is necessary and appropriate risk management measures have been put in place. Non-chemical methods should always be considered in the first instance if they are suitable to deal with the weed or pest issue of concern. In cases where pesticide use is deemed necessary on the basis of the risk assessment conducted by the user, products that are authorised for professional use can only be applied by a professional user who is registered with the Department.

The European Commission is finalising a proposal on a new sustainable use regulation to replace the sustainable use directive. This is expected to be published before the end of June. The Department will continue to engage proactively with other member states on relevant matters, including additional provisions concerning pesticide use in public areas.

Regarding the questions addressed to the Department by the committee concerning various enforcement and awareness-raising issues, the following points should be noted. The Department's role is to implement the regulatory system for authorisation and use of plant protection products. This does not include recommending or trialling particular products or techniques beyond the requirement that all professional users must use an integrated pest management approach in which the potential for using non-chemical methods must be carefully considered in the first instance. An enforcement plan for pesticides is implemented as part the Department's overall multi-annual control plan. The plan is risk-based and includes inspection of local authorities. The Department is also actively engaged in awareness raising with a range of stakeholders to help them comply with requirements for the sustainable use of pesticides. Examples include: presentations to local authorities, the Office of Public Works, OPW, and other stakeholders; the provision of information and updates to a range of key stakeholders; and the provision of extensive information on the Department's pesticides website, including guidance on best practice and responsible pesticide use and risk assessment templates for users. This information will be reviewed and amended as necessary when further details of the Commission's proposal on a new sustainable use regulation become available.

The Department is committed to implementing the requirements around the sustainable use of pesticides to minimise the use of chemical pesticides. A wide range of actions are undertaken to achieve this objective, including the implementation of a planned programme of enforcement activities and the provision of extensive advice and guidance to stakeholders. EU indicators show that good progress is being made in reducing the use of chemical pesticides.

An integrated pest management approach is critical to achieving the sustainable use of pesticides. All professional users of pesticides, including local authorities, must always consider in the first instance if there are suitable non-chemical alternatives that can be used. In cases where pesticide use is deemed necessary, authorised products must be used and users must comply with the product label instructions for permitted uses. Products are authorised by the Department on the basis of scientific evaluations and risk assessments demonstrating safe use without posing an unacceptable risk to humans, animals or the environment. The Department is guided in this process by the scientific outcomes from the EU assessments and peer review processes for pesticide active substances, including in particular the scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority.

My colleagues and I are happy to answer whatever questions committee members may have.