EU Directives.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2006

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Ceisteanna (1095)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1169 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the inspection regime which will apply to the enforcement of the Nitrates Directive; the level of on-farm inspection anticipated by her officials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28742/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The control authorities designated for the purposes of implementation of the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 are the local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency.

My Department's role is in the context of EU cross-compliance inspections required under the Single Payment Scheme. These inspections will address the various statutory management requirements, including compliance with the requirements of the Nitrates Directive, on farm holdings in receipt of payment under the Single Payment Scheme. EU regulations require that 1% of farm holdings are selected for inspection annually.