Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a report sought by her Department into the spraying of 2,4,D, at roadside verges in County Meath on behalf of Meath County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2635/09]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her policies on the spraying of herbicides and pesticides near houses or buildings such as schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2636/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.

I understand that the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government wrote to all Local Authorities in May of last year advising that untargeted spraying of road verges with herbicide is, prima facie, an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts and that the policy of the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government is to prosecute in such cases. The incident referred to by the Deputy is, I understand, the subject of legal proceedings taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I have not sought a specific report on the matter.