Written answers

Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Animal Welfare

Photo of Mairead FarrellMairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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316. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the new rodenticide recently approved for use by British authorities (details supplied); if he is concerned about the impact this may have on the population of birds of prey in Ireland; if this rodenticide is being considered for use in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20492/23]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Approval and use of rodenticides in Ireland 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 must be authorised for specific uses in a Member State before they can be made available for sale and use, with strict mitigation measures specified where required to protect human health and to minimise potential impacts on wildlife.

The product referred to is currently authorised in Ireland for use as a rodenticide by Professional and Trained Professionals only, in indoor and outdoor areas around buildings, for the control of rats (black/brown rat) and mice (house mouse) to protect public health, stored products and materials.

The authorisation is based on an in-depth evaluation in accordance with the Biocidal Products Regulation, which concluded that the risk for birds and mammals may be considered minimal when the product is used with appropriate risk mitigation measures, such as protected bait points and detailed restrictions on baiting.

The product is not currently authorised for the control of field/wood mice in Ireland. Applications to extend the authorised uses of any biocidal product are carefully considered by my department.

This Department recognises the importance of birds of prey and is mindful of the need to ensure a very high level of protection for them and other wildlife. Officials from the department also engage actively with relevant stakeholders, via the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) Ireland, to promote best practice in relation to rodenticide use.

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