Fisheries Protection

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Ceisteanna (143)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

143. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will ban or restrict the use of rotenone (a natural piscicide) for the potential eradication of gyrodactylus salaris in Irish freshwater ecosystems, considering the recent NASCO (North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation) policy paper stating that rotenone is required “to preserve natural biodiversity”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46186/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The placing on the market and use of biocidal products is governed by the EU Biocidal Products Regulation which has been transposed into Irish law via Statutory Instrument No. 427 of 2013.

Biocidal products may only be marketed and used in Ireland if they are registered with my Department.

There are currently no biocidal products containing the active substance rotenone registered for use in Ireland.

Active substances contained in biocidal products are assessed centrally at EU level for relevant types of uses and approved, or not, based on a detailed scientific assessment. This approval is based on EU-harmonised guidance and decision-making criteria and involves Member State Competent Authorities and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

The assessment of rotenone is currently on-going at EU level, and my Department will be guided by the scientific opinions and conclusions of ECHA in this regard.