Vol. 481 No. 2
56 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Finance the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a phosphate tax in view of the contribution phosphates are making to water pollution and phosphate enriched soil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15687/97]
I have no plans to introduce a phosphate tax.
I understand that the main threat to water quality continues to be the enrichment of water beyond natural levels by nutrients — known as eutrophication. This eutrophication is related to phosphates from a number of sources, including agricultural. Agricultural sources, such as slurries, manures, silage effluent and chemical fertilisers are major causes of excess nutrient inputs into soil which then runs off into water.
When the possibility of introducing a phosphate tax was looked at last year it was decided that it may not necessarily be the best way to try to reduce phosphate pollution. For example, such a tax would not be subject to EU excise movement or holding controls, but would have to rely on domestic arrangements. It would also be very difficult to prevent any "private purchaser" from buying phosphates abroad without having to pay any tax.
It would be appropriate to look at what other measures might be effective in reducing phosphate pollution.
