Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 594: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals to ban crop spraying except before sunrise and after sunset as is the case in England, France and Germany in the interest of protecting the bee population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22944/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of any blanket ban on crop spraying during daylight hours in the UK or in any other EU Member State. All plant protection products sold and used in Ireland must receive prior approval from my Department. The effect of a plant protection product on bees is one of the criteria assessed as part of the approval procedure. Products with an unacceptable effect on bees are restricted in the manner of their use. For example, some products must not be used on crops during flowering or when bees are foraging.