Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very conscious of this. The hallmark of the Department has always been to take a practical approach to it. We need to be extremely careful, however, because the derogation Irish agriculture has under the nitrates directive is up for renewal at the end of this year. It is a valuable asset that we have secured. In that context, for example, the Danes had a derogation but it has not been renewed. I am equally conscious of the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, has raised issues concerning water quality, so we need to be extremely careful about drawing the Commission's attention to the issue. Flexibilities are required in certain circumstances. The Department and local authorities have always understood this matter when it is brought to their attention and we can work out solutions. We do not need adverse publicity around the issue at this time.