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EU Directives.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004

Wednesday, 18 February 2004

Ceisteanna (70)

Simon Coveney

Ceist:

138 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the input he had into the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4836/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Officials of my Department, in consultation with Teagasc, have had discussions with officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in advance of the publication in December of a draft action programme giving effect to the nitrates directive. The draft action programme was then presented to representatives of the main farming organisations and other stakeholders. A period of two months was 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.

The implementation of the nitrates directive is in the first instance a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. When consideration has been given to the various comments received from stakeholders in response to the draft published in December, definitive proposals for an action programme will be submitted to the European Commission.

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