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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 4

Written Answers. - Soil Fertislisation.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

87 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will introduce a system of soil injection of slurry as an alternative to the spreading of slurry, particularly in areas adjacent to water sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16419/98]

There are currently no proposals for the introduction of a system of compulsory soil injection of slurry. The use of such a system is a matter for the individual farmer. While injection of slurry into the soil has the advantages of reducing odour and ammonia emissions it also has certain disadvantages in that tractor power requirements and machine maintenance costs are relatively high. Moreover, the technique is not suited for all soil types and conditions.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

88 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will introduce a grant system for installation by farmers of anaerobic digestion systems on an individual or communal basis with a view to reducing the manufacture and uses of artificial fertilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16420/98]

It is not proposed to introduce grant aid specifically for anaerobic digestion systems either on a communal or individual basis. From the nutrients point of view there is no net gain from anaerobic treatment of the manures and hence the introduction of systems to facilitate such treatment is unlikely to lead to reductions in the manufacture and use of artificial fertilisers.

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