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Nitrates Directive.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004

Tuesday, 6 July 2004

Questions (88)

Mary Upton

Question:

120 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions his Department had with Teagasc on the proposed nitrates directive; the Teagasc recommendations; and the independent advice sought by his Department. [20072/04]

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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.

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. In this context, 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.

In framing proposals, along with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to implement the Nitrates Directive my Department has been in ongoing consultation with Teagasc. Teagasc has provided relevant factual and scientific knowledge relating to the issues involved. While it is a legal imperative under the directive for Ireland's action programme to set a general limit of 170kg per hectare on organic nitrogen, the Government will also submit proposals to the European Commission for arrangements under which farmers can operate above that limit. Teagasc, along with other commentators, has consistently advised that Irish conditions mean that farmers can safely operate at levels of up to 250kg — subject to appropriate controls — with no environmental damage. From the outset this has been my view also.

These proposals for derogations from the general limit are currently being prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and my Department, in consultation with Teagasc. To be acceptable to the European Commission, the proposals will have to be supported by the best scientific and factual arguments possible, and Teagasc will play a critical and central role in this respect. The scientific input from other commentators and organisations will also be welcome.

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