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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Other Questions. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

41 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the discussions he has had with the Department of the Environment and Local Government on the difficulties posed to participants in the REP scheme by the adoption of environmental by-laws by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23256/00]

My officials have had productive discussions with officials of the Department of the Environment and Local Government on the potential implications for REPS farmers of the introduction of environmental by-laws by local authorities. The making of such by-laws, however, is a power devolved to local authorities. Furthermore, the circumstances may differ from one local authority area to another and, as a result, the provisions of the by-laws will not be uniform. My Department has sought legal opinion on the implications of the by-laws, which may have an effect on REPS payments. On receipt of this, we will approach the local authorities directly to explain the issues and to seek their agreement to consult my Department when preparing such by-laws.

Is the Minister of State aware that 14 local authorities are planning to introduce by-laws and that two others have already done so? Is the Minister of State aware that all of these proposed by-laws are different? Is he aware that at least one local authority has made a number of schemes conditional on farms having a lower P level on their land than is now required under the REPS? Does the Minister of State agree it is essential there is some co-ordination between the by-laws adopted by local authorities and the provisions of the REP scheme in order to avoid having possibly up to 27 separate sets of requirements around the country for the REP scheme?

The lack of uniformity was referred to in the earlier part of the reply. Longford, Offaly, Tipperary North Riding, Westmeath, Mayo and Leitrim County Councils are proposing similar by-laws. Leitrim has decided not to introduce such by-laws in areas of high risk because it believes existing powers can deal with the issue. Westmeath County Council's proposed by-laws do not exempt REPS participants. North Tipperary county council has received submissions for a draft and the current proposals do not exclude REPS participants. Offaly County Council is considering whether to make by-laws on the subject. Mayo County Council is proposing by-laws and farmers who wish to purchase phosphorous fertiliser under those by-laws will have to obtain a permit from the county council.

The Deputy is right about the lack of uniformity in regard to the standards but I am glad the Deputy has raised this issue because we are in danger of losing REPS payments from Europe should this continue. I would be grateful if the Deputy, the members of the Labour Party and our own party would ensure that they consult with our Department on some uniform system throughout the country because the standards include 16 weeks slurry holding, 12 weeks slurry holding, 20 weeks slurry holding—

The time has concluded.

This is appalling. The Minister of State is asking other Members of the House to do his job.

Deputy Dukes, we have moved on to the Adjournment Debate matters.

Members of this House are members of local authorities.

Please, Minister, I ask you to allow the Chair to speak.

The Minister of State should do his job.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.

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