Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss Ireland’s water quality, engagement with EU on Nitrates Derogation, and Update on Forestry Strategy

The meeting at 5.30pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will be split into two sessions.

• 5.30pm – Officials from Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding Water Quality, Interim Review and Nitrates Derogation;
•  7pm – Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding Forestry Strategy and an update on the Committee’s Political Contribution on COM(2022)305 – Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the sustainable use of plant protection products and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2115.

Ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “In our first session, the Committee will discuss the ongoing programme to improve and protect Ireland’s water quality and the key role farmers are playing in this regard. Members also wish to hear more on the Department’s engagement with the European Commission to secure a further derogation from the EU’s Nitrates Directive.

“In our second session, the Committee will hear an update on the Forestry Strategy and forestry programme being developed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This strategy will be key to protecting and developing Ireland’s forests and woodlands for the benefit of the environment, people and the economy, especially in rural areas. Members look forward to a wide-ranging and informative discussion with officials on these and related matters.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.