Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1489, 1551 and 1590 together.

Flupyradifurone is a newly developed insecticide which gained EU approval in the later part of 2015. The Netherlands, as the Rapporteur Member State, was responsible for the initial EU evaluation. This evaluation was then peer reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Member States, resulting in its approval by the EU Commission and the Member States in December 2015.

Flupyradifurone is approved in the United States and is seen by the US Environmental Protection Agency as an alternative to more toxic insecticides such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids and organophosphates. The US EPA has advised that “As an insecticide, flupyradifurone is unusual in that laboratory-based studies indicate that the compound is practically non-toxic to adult honeybees. Studies show no adverse effect on overall bee colony performance or overwintering ability when compared to untreated colonies”. In addition, the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency has also issued a wide-ranging approval for this active substance.

There are currently no plant protection products containing flupyradifurone in Ireland. However, because of its environmental and human toxicology profile, it is possible that approval for its use in the amateur/home garden market in Ireland may be sought in the future.

The Netherlands, on behalf of the EU are currently evaluating plant protection products containing this active substance and will finalise their deliberations in the coming months. When this evaluation has been completed, Ireland will then consider the results and will be used as part of our decision making processes.