Vol. 493 No. 4
86 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will consider the introduction of a system of soil testing for phosphorous in the sensitive catchment areas of the great western lakes and the imposition of restrictions where the soil phosphorous is found to be in excess of optimum requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16418/98]
Soil analysis for minerals such as phosphorus, is part of the requirements for participants in the REP scheme. However, general soil testing for phosphorus in sensitive catchment areas such as the western lakes is not a matter for my Department. Responsibility for the implementation of legislation relating to water quality and waste management rests with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and the various local authorities under the aegis of his Department.
