Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010
1647 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether farmers should be allowed spread slurry when suitable ground and grass growing conditions exist based on best information from Met Éireann instead of the current defined closed period. [32554/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe definition of the closed period was among the issues raised in submissions received during the public consultation process that formed part of the review of The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, commonly known as the ‘Nitrates Regulations'. These regulations constitute the legal basis for Ireland's National Action Programme under the Nitrates Directive. The Regulations fall due for review this year.
An Expert Advisory Group was established to consider the submissions. The Group presented its report to me and to my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government last week. The conclusions and recommendations of the Group are now under consideration and will inform any adjustments to the National Action Programme.
