Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 13 October 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Nitrates Directive, Water Quality and Pollution: Discussion

Photo of Matt CarthyMatt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am trying to pinpoint what we need to say. Part of the kick-back that we have seen already is that farmers say they do not know exactly what is being asked of them. In her opening statement, Dr. Cotter states:

A one-size-fits-all approach will not be adequate to achieve the outcomes [...] They need to be targeted and specific to the soils, activities and risks on the farm.

That pinpoints the issue. There is no point in penalising some for the sins of the others. How do we do that? Is Dr. Cotter confident that the draft consultation, which is the reason the witnesses are before the committee, allows for that bespoke approach to almost an on-farm level, which is what I have taken from what was outlined in her opening statement?

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