Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. While I may have referred to one individual in my constituency, I have been informed by the individual in question that several other people are affected by the issue I raise.

As a farmer, I accept the pesticide directive. It is good policy as it is appropriate that people know how to handle spraying devices. The response of the Department on this issue has been inadequate, however. The farmer who raised this matter with me has many years' experience spraying pesticides and does a significant amount of contract work dispensing slug pellets over the winter months. As a result of the lack of urgency displayed by departmental officials, he is likely to be penalised for engaging in this type of work when the deadline passes on Thursday next. Is the business of the man in question being placed at risk because he has dyslexia? I am not asking questions about the scheme, which is perfectly in order. As a farmer, I accept it and I know that either I or my son will have to complete the course if either of us wishes to use pesticide sprays in future. The person who raised this matter with me suffers from a disability, namely, dyslexia. Why will the Department not facilitate him by affording him the same rights as are afforded to everyone else?

The Minister of State's reply was fine in so far as it related to the pesticides directive. I am asking about an individual who cannot obtain the accreditation on which his business depends and who will lose money this year if he is penalised or prevented from making a living from spraying pesticides. I ask the Department to address this issue, rather than the implementation of the scheme. The issue is one of access for the individual in question and others who are in the same position.

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