I presume that the Deputy is referring to the requirements on farmers arising from the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006.
The EU Nitrates Directive aims to protect all waters against pollution from agricultural sources. Particular care is required for the protection of public health in the case of waters which serve as the source of drinking water. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006, implement the Directive in Ireland and provide statutory support for good agricultural practice to protect waters against pollution. These Regulations were developed in close consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, and Teagasc, and are supported by an enhanced package of financial supports for farmers, together with cross-compliance systems operated by that Department. Significant funding is being provided under that Department's Farm Waste Management Scheme to support investment by farmers to meet the requirements of the Regulations.
The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 contain appropriate and necessary provisions to allow for verification by the relevant authorities of compliance with the Regulations. These largely standard provisions allow for matters such as the entry to premises by an authorised person with the consent of the occupier or, for example, where there is a significant immediate risk to the environment, by court order; the inspection of premises; the taking of samples and other matters considered essential to ensure compliance with, and to support implementation of, the Regulations. Similar provisions are to be found in environmental legislation generally.
I believe that these measures relating to the agricultural sector, together with a range of other measures I propose to take in relation to waste water and other discharges to water, will result in higher standards of water quality over the coming years in line with the overall objectives of the Water Framework Directive.