Patrick O’Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) asks the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is access to an entomology service for nurseries and other sectors of the horticulture industry provided by his Department; his views on whether such a service is important for the development and security of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Simon Coveney (Minister, Department of Agriculture, the Marine and Food; Cork South Central, Fine Gael) answers: My Department employs an entomologist in its Plant Health Laboratory. The role of the entomologist is to supply a diagnostic capability for the Department in relation to the statutory surveys which my Department is obliged to undertake, to identify samples submitted by my officials in carrying out their import inspections and to participate in plant health research. This work is critical to ensuring that Ireland maintains its status as being free of quarantine pests. The officer is not available to provide a routine service to nurseries and other sectors of the horticulture industry.
Source: KildareStreet.com – Dail Questions – Entomology Service for Nurseries
