Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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1365. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce legislation to strengthen safety of farmers and consumers from such chemicals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41327/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) establishes a framework for European Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by setting minimum rules to reduce risks to human health and the environment from the use of pesticides. It promotes the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which includes alternative approaches and techniques to chemical use. It puts in place new requirements in the areas of advice, sale, supply and use of plant protection products. The SUD was enacted into Irish Law by Statutory Instrument No. 155 of 2012.

The main elements of the new regulations include:

- Increased educational/training requirements for pesticide users, advisors and distributors.

- Increased level of record keeping for all sectors in the pesticide use and retail trade.

- Requirement to have pesticide application equipment tested periodically.

- Increased storage requirements at farm and distribution level.

- Promotion of the use of Integrated Pest Management.