Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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283. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of new rules and regulations that came into force on 1 January 2015 regarding persons applying sprays and pesticides, the training courses that are being made available; the cost of same; the agency involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1045/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive establishes a framework for European Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by setting minimum rules to reduce the risks to human health and the environment that are associated with pesticide use. It also promotesthe use of integrated pest management. The Directive is designed to further enhance the high level of protection achieved through the entire regulatory system for pesticides.

Implementation of the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directiverelies heavily on the training of the various people involved at all levels of the industry, including Professional Users i.e. any individual who applies professional use Plant Protection Products.

From 26^thNovember 2015, it is mandatory for all Professional Users to be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and, in order to do so, must be appropriately trained. The following courses will meet the requirements for registration:

- FETAC 5N0731, Hand Held Pesticide Application or

- City & Guilds, PA1 + PA6, Hand Held Applicators.

- FETAC 5N1797, Boom Sprayer Pesticide Application or

- City & Guilds, PA1 + PA2, Tractor-mounted sprayer.

Any individual who has already successfully completed training to the above standards (or equivalent) need not undertake any further training in order to register with my Department.

Any (FETAC or C&G) accredited provider can deliver these courses and there is a list of such providers available on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website (). This list is updated regularly.

As each provider has its own pricing structure, potential participants can get details on the cost of courses by contacting them directly.