Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, Cathaoirleach. I have a quick question for each of the organisations and I will ask the questions in order. If the closed period for the slurry spreading is lifted, as proposed, does Mr. Cullinan have any idea how many farms would be in a position to store slurry, while complying with the new regulations on slurry storage?

What would be the impact on the tillage sector if the slurry spreading period was lengthened? I ask the witnesses to comment on what bearing elements of the nitrates action programme are having on the area of emissions.

In the nitrates action programme, I note the Department is basing its new excretion rate bands on preliminary analysis and regional estimates. The demands based on this will start to come into effect on 1 January. I get very concerned when demands are rushed through based on estimates and preliminary analysis. The ICMSA also noted how quickly it will be introduced and suggested a halfway point of 89 kg of nitrogen per hectare. I am interested to hear the association's views on the banding mechanism and its opinions on how other organisations are settling on the halfway point until further research is done.

Macra na Feirme noted, as did other organisations, that the nitrates action programme omits one key point, namely, the cost to farmers and how farmers will be supported in meeting these demands. Overheads and costs will be considerable, especially for ewe farmers. I am sure this issue came up during the course of the engagements with the Minister. Will Mr. Keane give a summary of the Minister's response and what was Macra na Feirme's reaction to it?

The INHFA expressed considerable concerns about the impact that the requirement to fence all watercourses will have on farmers. Can Mr. Condon expand on that point? Does planning, to which Mr. Condon referred, come into that? What is the situation with hill farmers whose land is different in many ways with regard to watercourses? Mr. Condon raised the issue of excluding commonage land from the draft recommendations and to extend the fencing of watercourses to all farms. Will he also expand on that?