Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals to introduce an order confining crop spraying in areas where bee keeping is being carried on to the period after sunset and before sunrise and not during periods when there are strong winds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19241/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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An assessment of potential risks for bees forms part of the examination conducted prior to the authorisation of individual plant protection products for each specified use. Where potential for damage to bees is identified appropriate restrictions are specified and must be printed on product labels. Restrictions specified include restrictions precluding use when bees are active and or when crops or weeds are in flower. The restrictions thus introduced are legally binding on those using the products concerned.

The controls in place to protect bees and other wildlife are being reviewed in the context of the Commission Proposal for a Regulation to replace Directive 91/414/EEC on the marketing and use of plant protection products, that is currently being examined by Council and Parliament.