Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will arrange an investigation into allegations that illegal chemicals were used by a company (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36150/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2000, some 183 samples of mushrooms have been analysed nationwide for pesticide residues as part of the official monitoring programme. The results from 2000 to 2005 have been published and no maximum residue level (MRL) exceedance was detected during this time.

This Department's pesticide monitoring programme is supplemented by the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Programme. This voluntary programme covers all aspects of production including pesticide use. Under the programme all participants undergo a minimum of one full annual inspection conducted by an independent National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) inspector against the Bord Bia standard for horticulture producers. This can be followed up with a second spot check/inspection. The completed audit is reviewed and assessed by the NSAI for consideration for continued approval under the scheme. The company in question was a member of this programme up to last year.