European Communities (Sustainable Use of Pesticides) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 155 of 2012).

These Regulations give effect to Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a new Community framework aimed at achieving sustainable use of pesticides through the reduction of the risks and impacts of pesticide usage on human health and the environment. The Regulations, among other things: allow the Minister to establish a register for the registration of: (a) professional users, (b) distributors of pesticide including all premises used by that distributor in relation to pesticide, (c) persons trained to act as a distributor, (d) advisors on the use of pesticides, and (e) inspectors of pesticide application equipment; provides rules applicable to these categories of persons; provides rules relative to pesticide application equipment and aerial spraying; regulates the storage, handling, packaging and disposal of pesticides; requires a professional user to apply the general principles of integrated pest management as set out in Annex III to the Directive and the principles of good plant protection practice as published by the Minister; provides for enforcement including issuing of compliance notices; and defines offences.