I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 169, 201, 206, 208, 219, 313 and 335 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1491 on 9 October 2002.
The most recent comprehensive data on water quality, including data on nitrates in waters, are contained in the report Water Quality in Ireland 1998-2000, issued by the EPA in January 2002. The report includes data on the extent of eutrophication in surface waters and on the levels of nitrogen compounds in ground waters and surface waters. The most recent data in relation to nitrates in drinking water are contained in the EPA report on the quality of drinking water in Ireland for the year 2000. This report indicates a compliance rate of just over 99% with the prescribed standard for nitrates, 50 mg/l nitrates, but also that breaches of the standard were recorded in nine counties. These reports are available in the Oireachtas Library.