asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself regarding the operation of the regulations which he made recently to give effect to EC directives which seek to control the level of pesticides allowed in certain designated food products.

The regulations laying down maximum levels of pesticide residues in cereals and foodstuffs of animal origin, which came into operation in September last, involve complex sampling and analysis procedures which must be carried out by highly-trained sampling and laboratory staff. I am satisfied that considerable progress has already been made in this matter. Pilot sampling and analysis of virtually all commodities covered by the regulations has begun and detailed sampling procedures for the full implementation of the regulations are at an advanced stage of preparation.