Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
114 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on claims from the Irish Farmers Association that the Government has failed farming with its strategy on implementing the nitrates directive action programme; and his further views on whether Ireland’s most productive farmers will be severely hit by the plan to reduce usage of organic manure on lands to 170 kg per hectare. [20094/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implementation of the Nitrates Directive is, in the first instance, a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. He and I met the farming organisations on 30 June and again outlined the approach to be taken in implementing the Directive. An action programme will be submitted to the European Commission meeting Ireland's legal obligations under the Directive, and separately from that there will also be proposals for arrangements under which farmers may operate above the general limit of 170kg of organic nitrogen which the Directive lays down.
A revised draft action programme is now being made available for farmers and other interested parties to offer their views. The action programme and arrangements for derogations will ultimately require the approval of the European Commission. However it is my objective, shared by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to minimise the burden of compliance on farmers generally and to ensure that the future of the commercial agriculture sector is safeguarded.
I welcome the announcement by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that he has appointed Mr. Denis Brosnan, former Managing Director and Chairman of the Kerry Group, to advise on the proposed Nitrates Action Programme. As independent adviser, Mr. Brosnan will play a leading role in the forthcoming consultation exercise and I am confident that he will make a major contribution to a successful outcome.
I have indicated consistency that compliance with the directive should not involve an undue burden on individual farmers and should not undermine the future of commercial farming.
