Vol. 542 No. 5
124 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department has had discussions with the Department for the Environment and Local Government concerning the possible implications of environmental directives and local authority by-laws on agricultural run-off and the use of fertilisers and pesticides for the operation of the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25085/01]
My officials are engaged in ongoing discussions with officials from the Department of the Environment and Local Government on a number of issues primarily the implementation of the nitrates directive. My Department will be represented on an expert group which will meet shortly to decide on the designation of nitrate vulnerable zones.
My Department has also been consulted by the Department of the Environment and Local Government on issues relating to local authority by-laws, the water framework directive and the ongoing review of EU regulations governing the use of pesticides.
In the course of these discussions my Department adverts when necessary to the implications for REPS.
