Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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180. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the European Commission proposal to extend the ban on neonicotinoid pesticides to non flowering crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49571/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In 2013 a partial restriction on neonicotinoid insecticides was introduced in the EU due to concerns about possible impacts on pollinators. My Department has fully implemented the Commission decision in relation to these compounds. Neonicotinoid insecticides, like all insecticides, can be harmful to bees but there is conflicting scientific evidence regarding the conditions under which they may cause harm.  

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently undertaking an assessment of the risks posed by neonicotinoids to take account of all new and relevant information that has become available since 2013. This assessment is expected to be completed by the end of February 2018.  This will then form the scientific basis for a further Commission proposal expected next year.

My Department's position on any Commission proposal will be informed by the outcome of the EFSA assessment. In the interim, we are aware of a draft proposal from the EU Commission to restrict neonicotinoid use to indoor/glasshouse use, where exposure to pollinators can be directly controlled. This proposal will be examined in detail when it is presented.