Gay Mitchell
Ceist:44 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the input he has had into formulating a response to the EU nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14064/02]
Written Answers. - EU Directives.
Implementation of the Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC, which deals with the protection of waters from pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources, is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. The Minister sought my views before briefing the Government some time ago on the issues associated with implementation of a number of EU directives on waste and water quality, including the nitrates directive. The views of my Department were also sought on the Information Paper on Good Agricultural Practice and Protection of the Environment, issued by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, which addresses issues raised in discussions with the main farming organisations and other interests.
Proposals for implementation of the directive are being developed by officials of the Department of the Environment and Local Government in consultation with my Department, the relevant agencies such as Teagasc and the Environmental Protection Agency and other interested parties, including the main farming organisations. My Department has participated in a panel of experts which was established to make recommendations in relation to the designation of vulnerable zones under the directive. During 2001 my Department participated in a number of meetings with the Department of the Environment and Local Government and other agencies for the purposes of assembling data required for implementing the nitrates directive. In addition, my Department participates on an ongoing basis in a liaison group, involving the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Geological Survey of Ireland and Teagasc, which was established to consider issues involved in the implementation of the nitrates directive and the development of proposals for an action programme or programmes, including regulations, for this purpose.
Successful implementation of the directive is important for the many farmers who are beneficiaries of the measures included in the CAP rural development plan, under which funding was secured for compensatory allowances, REPS, early retirement and forestry for the period 2000-2006. The plan includes commitments in respect of the implementation the nitrates directive, and to ensure continued EU funding of these measures it is necessary for Ireland to deliver on those commitments.