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—