Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 51: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the implications for Irish Agriculture of the EU announcement on restrictions on the use of pesticides. [27128/07]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the context of the thematic strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides, the Commission has proposed legislation on the marketing and use of plant protection products. These proposals include a number of initiatives aimed at reducing the risks to the environment and human health associated with use of plant protection products.

This proposed legislation is subject to the co-decision process, involving both the EU Council and the EU Parliament working in parallel. The EU Parliament adopted a position on these proposals at its plenary session on 23 October which refers to use reduction, prohibitions or severe restrictions, etc. However, the Council has not yet completed a first reading of the legislative texts concerned. Consequently, there is no agreed EU position at this time.

The Department is participating in the ongoing discussions at Council. The current Commission proposals do not contain any plans to impose severe restrictions except where deemed absolutely necessary following scientifically sound risk assessment. Since the Department already carries out such risk assessments during the authorisation process for pesticides, the current proposals from the Commission present no significant additional negative implications for Irish farming.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can the Minister ensure we do not have a repeat of the nitrates directive fiasco, when farmers had no idea what was coming down the tracks? In a hurried manner, we put together a national nitrates action plan

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is misrepresenting the situation. For ten years they knew what would happen.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A band aid approach was taken.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is rubbish.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is non-recyclable rubbish.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

During the last European elections we had many farmers' meetings at which concerns were expressed about restrictions on pesticide use. Having been in the European Parliament, I know that Ireland is at a disadvantage as a large agricultural producer. Most views and legislation in the European Parliament are led by the consumer. We must ensure Ireland communicates its perspective as an agricultural producer so that we take commercial farming into account. There is a concern that, because the Minister of State has expressed views on a GM-free Ireland, we are moving towards an organic Ireland. This would make commercial farming a thing of the past in respect of responsible pesticide use, herbicide use and so on.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Where is that coming from? It is GM propaganda.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to raise this matter at an early stage to ensure farmers and farming representatives are kept in the loop on this issue. Concern, particularly among arable farmers, is growing.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of those concerns because I speak to farmers, as does Deputy Coveney. Sometimes it is not the fault of farmers that they are given incorrect information. The GM lobby is strong in Brussels and I understand that Deputy Coveney hears them regularly communicating the message that GM crops are a way of not using chemicals. The opposite is the case, as held by objective studies. I do not buy the idea that GM crops are a way of avoiding chemicals.

Many farmers are minimising pesticide use for reasons of cost as well as human health and environmental reasons and consumer pressure. I have visited a number of farms where biological controls are tested and are working quite well. This issue does not relate to what was proposed, namely a 50% cut in pesticide use. It refers to reduced risk, a far more complex issue that must be worked on through consultation with farmers, agronomists and those who have a scientific base for what they are advocating. I give a commitment that no decision I will stand over will be made in the dark, without consultation with farmers. It is vital that farmers recognise that consumer pressure is in favour of less pesticides and that scientific means, which do not involve GM, allow for far better plant protection with less pesticide through breeding various strains. For example, part of the directive deals with integrated pest management, the prohibition on aerial spraying, the designation of areas of greatly reduced or zero pesticide use and measures of risk reduction through harmonised indicators. It is quite complex and involves training and certification for professional users of pesticides.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The national plan is the key issue the Government must examine.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Absolutely, but it is more complex than referring to levels of use. The directive does not refer to levels of use but of reduced risk. This is far more important to bear in mind and will not be implemented without consultation with farmers. I assure the Deputy of that.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As long as it is not a reduced yield.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of the time constraints. Given that the legislation is at the stage of a first reading at the Council of Ministers, is the Minister aware of the range of pesticides that will come under the ambit of this procedure?

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Time does not allow me to go into the full range because it is quite extensive.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Saved by the bell.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I look forward to an opportunity to discuss it without the time constraints of Dáil Éireann.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can the Minister circulate the list?

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We can provide the list.