Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
122 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimated cost to the agricultural industry of the implementation in its current form of the draft directive on nitrates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4835/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt will not be possible to assess the full cost to the agricultural industry of the implementation of the nitrates directive until the European Commission has approved Ireland's proposals to give effect to the directive. The implementation of the nitrates directive is in the first instance a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A draft action programme, prepared by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with my Department and in consultation with Teagasc, was presented in December last to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. A period of eight weeks is being provided for stakeholders to submit in writing their comments on the document to either or both Departments. This phase of the consultation process runs until tomorrow 19 February. When the consultation process has been completed and consideration has been given to the various submissions, definitive proposals for an action programme will be submitted to the European Commission. In the context of discussions with the Commission, the Government is also committed to seeking approval for farmers to operate, in appropriate circumstances, at levels of up to 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare per annum.
The main impact of the nitrates directive is likely to be in the area of waste storage capacity. My Department, in consultation with Teagasc, has made preliminary assessments of the quantity of additional waste storage capacity that may be needed to meet the requirements of the nitrates directive. Teagasc has also carried out a comprehensive farm facilities survey in recent months. The survey was undertaken to establish baseline data on farm facilities and management practices relating to manure, dirty water and fodder systems. It will provide comprehensive and up to date statistics which will be used in drawing up detailed arrangements to give effect at farm level to the action programme when it is approved.
Substantial financial aid will be available to farmers on whom the directive has an impact. In Sustaining Progress, the Government stated that "recognising the importance of the nitrates directive and its impact on certain farmers, a number of initiatives shall be taken in the context of optimising the use of available EU and national budgetary resources". These initiatives included a review of REPS with higher payment rates, and changes to the terms and conditions of the farm waste management scheme and dairy hygiene scheme, in particular increasing the income and eligible investment ceilings.
The improvements in the farm waste management scheme and dairy hygiene scheme have already been delivered. Proposals for REPS, including an average 28% increase in payments, are now with the European Commission for approval.
