The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has said that his department recognises the vital role that bees play in ecosystems and takes "full account" of potential risks to the insects when considering applications for authorisation of biocidal products.

Minister Heydon was asked if he would consider a ban on the general sale of wasp poisons by People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, Ruth Coppinger in a parliamentary question this week.

Deputy Coppinger asked the question, "given the danger" of wasp poisons and the need to protect bee populations.

In his response, the minister explained that the placing on the market and use of wasp control products is governed by the EU biocidal products regulation, which has been transposed into Irish law.

EU regulations outline that a product shall be authorised if a range of specified conditions are satisfied, including that there is no unacceptable impact on non-target organisms, such as bees.

Minister Heydon said: "The regulatory evaluation procedure is a two-step process, which is based on EU-harmonised guidance and decision-making criteria and involves member state competent authorities and the European Chemicals Agency.

"Active substances used in biocidal products are first assessed centrally at EU level for relevant types of uses and approved, or not, based on a detailed scientific assessment.

"Biocidal products containing EU-approved active substances are subsequently assessed by competent authorities," the minister added.

According to Minister Heydon, hazards and the risks to bees are carefully considered during the evaluation procedure.

He said products are only authorised if the evaluation shows that the proposed use is efficacious and safe for humans, animals and the environment.

If appropriate, risk mitigation measures to protect bees may be mandated as part of the product authorisation conditions.

In 2024, the Euroepan Chemicals Agency published new technical guidance on assessing the risk to bees from guidance.

Minister Heydon said: "This guidance, which describes in detail how risks to bees should be quantitatively assessed, will further increase the level of protection for bees.

"My department recognises the vital role that bees play in our ecosystems and takes full account of potential risks to bees when considering applications for authorisation of biocidal products.

"We will continue to be guided by the scientific opinions and conclusions from the EU review process for biocides, and relevant technical guidance, and will implement any measures for the protection of bees identified in the biocides regulatory framework," he added.