Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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203. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of EU level developments regarding reauthorising glyphosate. [26394/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In June 2016, the European Commission extended the glyphosate approval for a further limited period to allow the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) complete its assessment which provides the legal basis for the appropriate chemical hazard classification of glyphosate in Europe. This extension followed a review by EFSA which was extended to allow for detailed consideration of the report produced by IARC and concluded that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans and can be used safely without putting consumers or users at risk.

The RAC delivered its opinion in mid-March and concluded that glyphosate does not warrant classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. This will mean that legally glyphosate does not meet any of the substance non-approval criteria specified in the Plant Protection Products Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009). The RAC agreed to maintain the existing harmonised classification of glyphosate as a substance causing serious eye damage and being toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. The implication of this classification is that appropriate precautionary measures should be put in place for use of glyphosate. The RAC opinion was adopted by consensus with the full support of all members.

Once the draft RAC Opinion goes through an editorial check, ECHA will formally submit the dossier to the Commission (expected to be in June), which takes the final decision on the glyphosate classification. The adopted RAC Opinion will provide the Commission with a scientific basis to make a final proposal about the renewal of glyphosate under Regulation 1107/2009. Any such proposal must be put before a technical experts standing committee meeting.