Paul Kehoe
Ceist:171 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the proposals for derogations under the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32724/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 October 2006
Ceisteanna (101)
Freagraí scríofa
Ireland's action programme under the Nitrates Directive was given legal effect by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006, which were signed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on 18 July, 2006.
Consideration of Ireland's proposals for a derogation to allow certain farmers to operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare per annum is at an advanced stage in the European Commission. Officials from my Department and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government made a presentation regarding our derogation proposals to the EU Nitrates Committee on 19 September, 2006. Questions were subsequently received from member States and these have been responded to in writing by Ireland. A further meeting of the Committee was held yesterday and I am hopeful that a positive Commission proposal on our request will be presented for approval at the November Committee meeting.