Dáil debates

Thursday, 27 October 2016

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions

Environmental Regulations

3:10 pm

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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It is a question of finding a balance. I do not dismiss the points made by the Deputy, but it is important to say that, for it to be worthwhile, both economically and agronomically, for him or her to plant a protein crop, a farmer has to have the possibility that he or she will harvest a decent yield from the crop. Without access to herbicide and pesticide control, that may not be possible. The consumer of the crop is the bovine industry. If we do not have a crop, we will import more protein sources. There is also a cyclical element that we need to consider in the bigger picture. It is also true to say we have very restrictive controls in the application of herbicides and pesticides. All one need do is ask any tillage farmer. They are onerous, rightly so, because ultimately it is about the protection of consumer health. There is, however, a bigger picture. I will reflect on the points made by the Deputy, but he should also reflect on the fact that if we do not commercially grow protein crops here - this is in danger of putting 30% of protein crops growers out of business - the consequence will be greater reliance on imported proteins.