Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Farm Waste Management.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

318 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his Department's position regarding the nitrate directive; his plans to reform the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16194/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

The implementation of the nitrates directive is primarily a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.

I understand that proposals are being developed in the Department of the Environment and Local Government for an action programme, including regulations, to strengthen the application of good agricultural practice in all areas and to give further effect to the nitrates directive and other directives in relation to waste management and water quality. The detailed provisions will be developed in consultation with the main farming organisations and other interested parties. My Department is participating actively in a liaison group, involving the Department of the Environment and Local Government, Teagasc and the Environmental Protection Agency, to advance implementation of the nitrates directive.

The farm waste management scheme already makes substantial grant aid available for a range of different investments. The scheme is currently under review and a number of possible changes are being considered.