Rodenticides and driving test backlog
The Minister of Agriculture explained EU regulation of rodenticides and the authorisation process. The Tánaiste then replied to a different issue, saying the driving test backlog is being tackled by expanding testers and instructors.
Why would the Tánaiste want to deal with a murderous regime such as Israel? The Tánaiste is yellow.
Comment on this
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.
Comment on this
We are expediting the process. The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Chambers, has facilitated a significant expansion of testers and instructors. By the end of the year, there will be up to 200. The solution is higher volume to do more testing and deal with the backlog.