Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 3

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

43 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the Government has put in jeopardy over half a billion Euro a year in European agricultural grant aid by its continued failure to implement stricter controls on agricultural pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13982/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The CAP rural development plan 2000-2006 which covers compensatory allowances, REPS, early retirement and forestry measures includes an undertaking to implement the nitrates directive. The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.