Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2005
88 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the EU Commission and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding a derogation under the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14001/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraImplementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In October last, Ireland submitted an action programme to the European Commission for further implementation of the nitrates directive. In December, the Commission conveyed its view that the action programme was not complete and did not comply with the requirements of the directive or with the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland, which had been delivered in March 2004.
Subsequently, my Department worked closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the preparation of an initial response to the Commission. This response was sent on 20 April. I understand that a revised action programme, on which my Department has been consulted, will be sent to the Commission very shortly. Ireland has already submitted proposals for a derogation from the general limits laid down in the nitrates directive, designed to allow farmers to operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare. They were developed by my Department and Teagasc in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Commission has stated that it will not consider the application for a derogation until the action programme itself is agreed and in place but I am hopeful for a favourable outcome.
