I refer to the reply to Question No. 182 of 3 February 2004.
Proposals for further implementation of the nitrates directive were issued for public consultation on 19 December 2003 by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture and Food in the draft nitrates action programme. All interested parties were invited to provide comments in writing within two months. The comments received will be considered initially by officials of the two Departments and consideration will be given to the extent to which the draft action programme might need to be revised on the basis of these comments.
I will give consideration to the issues involved in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, having regard to the need to finalise the terms of the action programme at an early date and submit definitive proposals to the EU Commission. There have been informal contacts between officials of my Department and the Irish Farmers' Association and a submission dated 18 February 2004 has been received in my Department.