Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the vote taken at the European Parliament to continue with changes to pesticide legislation which carries an obligatory reduction in pesticide use of 50% within the next ten years and would see an introduction of a single zone EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43976/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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This proposed legislation is subject to the Co-decision process, involving both the EU Council and the EU Parliament working in parallel. The first reading of the proposed Commission Directive has been completed at both Council and Parliament and the second reading is in progress, with the aim of agreeing a common position before the end of the year.

I am aware of the vote taken by the Environment Committee of the European Parliament and also that the vote has not yet been taken at the Plenary session of Parliament. Therefore, the definitive position of the European Parliament is not yet decided.

Regarding the specific issues mentioned, a 50% reduction in pesticide use does not necessarily result in a reduction in the risk arising from pesticide use. Therefore, I support the Common position negotiated at Council, which refers to a reduction in risk from pesticide use. The introduction of a single or multiple zones is not expected to impact negatively on the registration or availability of pesticide products in Ireland.