161. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his engagements with representative countryside, conservation and rural stakeholder organisations, farming organisations, hunting associations and game management groups, regarding proposed EU restrictions on lead ammunition; if he will outline Ireland's position at recent meetings of the EU REACH Committee regarding such restrictions on use of lead ammunition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47948/26]

Restrictions made under the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) are intended to protect human health and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals. Such restrictions may range from outright bans to limits on specific uses. Restriction proposals are brought forward by the European Commission on the basis of scientific opinions prepared by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Responsibility for Ireland’s chemicals policy, including engagement on REACH matters at EU level, rests with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Ireland is represented at the REACH Committee meetings for matters within the remit of DETE by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), an agency under the aegis of DETE.

As set out in answer to previous parliamentary questions raised with regard to this matter, my Department has no responsibility for engaging with stakeholders on proposed EU restrictions on ammunition. Those matters fall within the remit of DETE and other relevant authorities.

My Department also has no responsibility for matters relating to the manufacture, sale, importation of supply of ammunition. Those matters fall within the remit of DETE and other relevant authorities.

In order to assist DETE in coordinating the Irish position, my Department has engaged in respect of matters relevant to its own functions, including nature conservation and biodiversity protection considerations.