Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

When Ministers speak about EU legislation, they have a tendency to use words like "lacuna". The Minister's response was somewhat confusing. I will try to interpret it as best I can when I read the Official Report. If there is a Common Position and a framework for Community action, there will be a prescribed set of pesticide uses or functions. Will there be a defined list? Will pesticide users be required to undertake training? Does the Minister envisage that this will be implemented within a certain timeframe? The Minister has said that Ireland had an alliance with Britain and Hungary on this issue, but what position did the three countries take? Did Ireland abstain when the vote was taken on the final Common Position? Did Ireland vote against it?

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