Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
190 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government will review the implementation of the EU nitrates directive, especially the 170 kg rule, in view of the financial burden it will place on the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5355/04]
View answerIt is not possible to assess the full cost to the agricultural industry of the implementation of the nitrates directive until the European Commission has approved Ireland's proposals to give it effect. Its implementation is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Both Departments prepared a draft action programme in consultation with Teagasc. Last December it was presented to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. They had eight weeks to submit written comments on it to either or both Departments. This phase of the consultation process runs until tomorrow. After the submissions have been considered definitive proposals for an action programme will be submitted to the European Commission. In the context of discussions with the Commission, the Government is also committed to seeking approval for farmers to operate, in appropriate circumstances, at levels of up to 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare per annum.
The main impact of the nitrates directive is likely to be in the area of waste storage capacity. Substantial financial aid will be available to farmers on whom the directive has an impact. In Sustaining Progress the Government stated that "Recognising the importance of the nitrates directive and its impact on certain farmers, a number of initiatives shall be taken in the context of optimising the use of available EU and national budgetary resources."
They included a review of REPS with higher payment rates, and changes to the terms and conditions of the farm waste management scheme and dairy hygiene scheme, in particular increasing the income and eligible investment ceilings. The improvements in the last two schemes mentioned have already been delivered. Proposals for REPS, including an average 28% increase in payments, are now with the European Commission for approval.
