Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:8 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he expects the action programme for compliance with the nitrates directive to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9198/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 March 2004
Ceisteanna (8)
Freagraí ó Béal (8 píosaí cainte)
The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A draft action programme prepared by that Minister's Department in conjunction with my Department and in consultation with Teagasc was presented in December last to representatives of the main farming organisations.
Written submissions on the draft action programme were invited. A deadline of 19 February was set for these, although a number were received after that date. Submissions have now been received from more than 70 stakeholders. The issues raised in the submissions are being considered by officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government along with officials from my Department. This work is proceeding, having regard to the need to finalise the terms of the action programme at an early date and submit definitive proposals to the European Commission.
The terms of the action programme need to be finalised at an early date given the need to avoid further court action by the European Commission and the fact that EU co-funding of schemes such as REPS, the disadvantaged areas compensatory allowance, early retirement and forestry is conditional on satisfactory implementation of the nitrates directive.
We have already discussed this matter at some length. I heard what the Minister said, particularly when he referred to large amounts of money being withheld by the EU if we do not finally and equitably implement the nitrates directive. In addition to his general comment on the impact of non-compliance, will the Minister indicate in detail what is meant in terms of the threat hanging over Ireland in regard to court action? Although I asked this question before, I put it to him again. Will he also indicate if has done an inventory of the farming sectors that need specific help and advice, especially producers who must spread slurry on areas other than their own holdings? This is the case with pig, poultry and mushroom producers in particular. I would appreciate it if the Minister could give more information in this regard.
Since the European Commission believes Ireland has not fulfilled its obligations under the directive, it insists that we include a commitment to implement the nitrates directive in the CAP Rural Development Plan 2000-2006. This plan provides for expenditure of €5 billion on disadvantaged areas compensatory allowance, REP, early retirement and forestry schemes. As the Deputy is aware, the Commission delayed an amendment to the disadvantaged areas payments scheme in early 2002 because Ireland had not yet delivered on its undertaking. It was made clear that continued co-funding of the four measures would be contingent on satisfactory implementation of the directive. It is evidently serious about the matter. It delayed the disadvantaged areas compensatory allowance for a considerable time until we pleaded with it and said we were in the process of producing an action programme to deal with the nitrates directive. The Commission then conceded to allow the scheme to proceed. We do not have a choice. We must have an action programme to deal with the nitrates directive by June of this year. Apart from jeopardising significant payments, we also risk facing further court action. As the Deputy is aware, a court decision in the past week came down strongly against us. The attitude of the European Union is that, since 1991, we have had adequate time to deal with this matter.
In terms of an inventory, we have had a great deal of consultation with Teagasc in particular on this matter. We have a good idea of what needs to be done and the areas and locations that need to be addressed from the study that was carried out by the Department and Teagasc. The latter made detailed estimates of the quantity of additional waste storage capacity that will be required to implement the directive. We have the benefit of information collected in recent months by the agency which carried out a precise and up-to-date farm facility survey. We are geared toward implementing in a precise way what is necessary to comply with the directive.
I appreciate what the Minister said. We have had from 1991 to deal with this, which increases the pressure on us today from the European Union.
Will the fact that areas such as counties Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Donegal, which as the Department is well aware, require a longer storage period than other areas, receive additional grants on a sliding basis to compensate for the extraordinary costs that will be involved? An area requiring a 12 week storage period cannot be compared with an area requiring 24 weeks' storage. Some form of balance must be introduced or people in the north-west will be forced out of farming.
The parish of Killanny on the border between Louth and Monaghan is equally split between the two counties. The land is the same but one area has a suggested storage period of 24 weeks while the other has a suggested storage period of 16 weeks. How can this be the case? Is there a scientific basis for this decision?
Will the Minister inform the House who has signed up to the nitrates directive?
I can give a short answer to Deputy Crawford. No, there will not be a special deal for counties Cavan and Monaghan.
I am talking about County Donegal as well.
I give a commitment that, when we submit the action plan, we will seek to obtain the most appropriate derogations possible to be of maximum assistance to the people of counties Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.
We signed up to a code of practice in 1996 after consultation with the farming organisations. It is a sensible measure; otherwise the various parties would not have signed up to it. If farmers comply with it, adherence to the nitrates directive will be feasible.