Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

685. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the safeguards that are in place to protect the public, pets and farm animals from rodenticides; his views on whether the current protections are strong enough; if additional protections will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56168/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Rodenticides are used to control rats and mice for a range of important purposes, such as the protection of public health and the protection of food and feed storage areas. Their approval and use are regulated under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR - Regulation (EU) No 528/2012).

The regulatory process is based on EU-harmonised guidance and decision-making criteria and involves Member State competent authorities and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Products are only authorised for necessary purposes, with strict mitigation measures specified where required to protect people and animals from potential risks, such as primary and secondary poisoning.

The risk mitigation measures in place in Ireland include detailed restrictions on baiting, restrictions on use areas, training and certification requirements for particular uses, controls on pack sizes and controls on product formulations, such as a requirement for the inclusion of a bittering agent. The Department also engages actively with relevant stakeholders, via the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use in Ireland (CRRU Ireland), to promote best practice in relation to rodenticide use and to support research in this area.

The active substances in rodenticides and the products containing these substancesare subject to periodic review by ECHA and the Member States, with the next review commencing in 2022. Ireland will review rodenticide product authorisations based on the outcomes from this process and will amend risk mitigation measures if necessary, in accordance with ECHA’s scientific opinions, to ensure the highest level of protection for people and animals.