Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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272. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the spraying course for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40211/15]

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.

The need for appropriate training must be viewed in the context of protecting both human health (operators, bystanders and consumers) and the environment and, in particular, maintaining the high quality of one of our most valuable resources, our water.

Those who have completed any of the following courses (or equivalent) will meet the requirements for professional user training:

- FETAC 5N0731 – Hand Held Pesticide Application

- FETAC 5N1797 – Boom Sprayer Pesticide Application

or

- City & Guilds PA1 – Safe Use of Pesticides + PA2a – Boom Sprayer

- City & Guilds PA1 – Safe Use of Pesticides + PA6 – Hand Held Applicator

or

- Lantra Awards - Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides with Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides using Hand Held Equipment.

- Lantra Awards - Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides with Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides using Vehicle mounted Boom sprayer equipment

or

- Teagasc Pesticide Application module as included in 1-year cert or 2-year diploma courses

or

-Teagasc Pesticide Application module – stand-alone course.

An individual who has completed a Pesticide Application module equivalent to one of our recognised qualifications as part of their Certificate in Agriculture or other award is not required to undertake any further training in order to register as a Professional User.

The training status of the individual for the purpose of DAFM registration as a Professional User can be verified by submitting a query form directly to Teagasc, which is available at

Upon confirmation from Teagasc of the appropriate training, an online application can be submitted at