Mr. Bill Callanan:

Absolutely, and I agree with the Senator. The objective of the sustainable use directive is to minimise their use to only when they are required. This is generally recognised by all users and the public. There has been a significant reduction in the amount of pesticides being used, which is a positive development. In our role, we have a responsibility not only to point to reducing pesticide use, but also to ask whether it is safe to use, which is a critical question that has to be answered. Significant risk assessments have been done in this regard. By "safe", I mean from the point of view of the user, the environment, animals, non-target species, etc. A great deal of work goes into the safety assessments. We differentiate between safety and the clear message, which is to reduce the overall use of pesticides and consider whether there are alternatives.

That is an awareness both at public level and, I presume, among the local authorities. Certainly, from our perspective, that is the message we would give out.