Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
38 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions he has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the proposed nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14733/04]
View answerThe implementation of the nitrates directive is in the first instance a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department has had ongoing discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the development of a draft action programme giving further effect to the nitrates directive. This draft action programme was presented in December 2003 to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. A period of two months was provided for stakeholders to submit their comments on the document in writing to either or both Departments. Written submissions on the draft action programme have been received from some 70 stakeholders, including all the main farming bodies, and a revised draft is being prepared by officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government together with officials from my own Department.
