Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
197 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which he expects the nitrates directive to affect productivity in the agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20529/04]
View answerThe implementation of the nitrates directive is, in the first instance, a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. He and I met the farming organisations on 30 June and again outlined the approach to be taken in implementing the directive. An action programme will be submitted to the European Commission meeting Ireland's legal obligations under the directive, and separately from that 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.
