The directive in question is transposed into national law by means of the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998. In further support of the more sustainable use of sewage sludge in agriculture, which is the objective of the directive, I have had prepared a code of good practice for the use of biosolids in agriculture and a guidance document for the preparation of sludge management plans by local authorities. These authorities are now in the process of preparing individual sludge management plans, with the assistance of funding from my Department. Correspondence has been received from the European Commission relating to some technical issues in regard to the transposition of the directive. My Department is preparing a response.
Question No. 47 taken with Question No. 21.
Question No. 48 taken with Question No. 27.