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EU Directives.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004

Tuesday, 6 July 2004

Questions (160)

Denis Naughten

Question:

192 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the result of discussions which took place between his officials and officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding a sustaining progress review meeting held on 29 June 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20466/04]

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Written answers

The implementation of the nitrates directive is, in the first instance, a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. He and I met the farming organisations on 30 June and again outlined the approach to be taken in implementing the directive. I believe that the discussions were very constructive. An action programme will be submitted to the European Commission meeting Ireland's legal obligations under the directive, and there will also be proposals for arrangements under which farmers may operate above the general limit of 170 kg of organic nitrogen which the directive lays down.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department is now in the process of making available a revised draft action programme for farmers and other interested parties to offer their views. The action programme and arrangements for derogations will ultimately require the approval of the European Commission. However it is my objective, shared by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to minimise the burden of compliance on farmers generally and to ensure that the future of the commercial agriculture sector is safeguarded.

I welcome the announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that he has appointed Mr. Denis Brosnan, former managing director and chairman of the Kerry Group, to advise on the proposed nitrates action programme. As independent adviser, Mr. Brosnan will play a leading role in the forthcoming consultation exercise and I am confident that he will make a major contribution to a successful outcome.

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