Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives of Wicklow County Council for coming before the committee today. We have had a good discussion with a Mr. James Walsh about pesticides and that is why the invitation went out to the council councils for feedback and information. First, it is good to see the work that is being done by Wicklow County Council and indeed other county councils. We have information back from 21 at this stage. We are talking about reducing the use of the substances. I have a couple of questions before I let other members in. One thing that struck me in your opening statement, Ms Cahill, was that it was discovered that while staff were trained and certified in its application, there was little or no control on where or why the glyphosate was applied. There were no records maintained of where or how much was applied. Are you referring to the guidance for local authorities to ensure compliance with the sustainable use of pesticides directive? I am asking because, to begin with, I want to explore the effectiveness of the Department's monitoring of the use of the pesticides by local authorities.