Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of fruit and vegetables tested for pesticides in 2006; the type of pesticide detected regarding these number of domestic and imported samples; the residue and MLR; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28900/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The 2006 pesticide residue monitoring report is being finalised at present and will, when completed, be available on the DAFF website where all of the detailed results of the 2006 monitoring programme can be accessed. The annual Irish residue monitoring programme is agreed between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) and is implemented by the DAFF as part of a service contract between both bodies.

In 2006, 909 samples of fruit and vegetables were analysed for residues of 153 pesticides and their breakdown products. Of the 909 samples analysed, 168 were from domestic production and the remaining 741 were imported. Residues of 72 different pesticides were detected in the samples of fruit and vegetables analysed and 26 of these samples, 2.9%, contained a pesticide residue that exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) value for a pesticide food combination. The results are in line with those of previous years and are also in line with those found in other EU member states.