2539. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to develop a course for spraying pesticides (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56135/26]

My Department does not develop courses for spraying pesticides. However, there are a range of courses relevant to the use and application of pesticides that have been developed by training providers and validated by recognised awarding bodies, such as QQI, the state agency responsible for promoting the quality, integrity and reputation of Ireland’s further and higher education system.

These courses are recognised by my Department for the purpose of registration as a Professional User of Pesticides as they meet the requirements of Directive 2009/128/EC on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides.

Details of courses and training providers can be found on my Department’s pesticides website.