Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I believe it is possible and compatible to have the nitrates derogation and improvements in water quality. The objective behind putting in place stringent criteria and conditions in the awarding of the derogation to any one farmer is to ensure farmers apply the additional nitrogen and achieve a higher stocking rate in a way that effectively manages that nutrient and that resource so that it grows grass but does not impact on water quality. We cannot have a situation whereby water quality in the country is deteriorating. It has been going in the wrong direction in recent times and we must address that. It can be done and we are working to achieve it as part of the nitrates derogation. The Deputy is correct that it is not straightforward in that it is very much particular to different soil types. It is about trying to ensure that we are applying the right measures and the right conditions in the right places.

Many of our nitrates farmers adopt exceptionally good practices in the controls they have in place to manage and protect water quality. It is crucial that this should happen across the board. The Deputy is correct that a small number of farmers not carrying out the right practices can have a detrimental impact, one which impacts on everyone else. We have to take a very hard line and ensure that people take responsibility for the activities they are carrying out. Chemical fertiliser and organic fertiliser can be very powerful if used appropriately. This is something that we have valued tremendously throughout history and throughout agricultural production be that in regard to seaweed or the very careful and efficient use of manures long before chemical fertiliser was available. We know the benefits of chemical fertiliser, where used appropriately. Likewise, something that can be a nutrient, a driver or a tonic, if used wrongly, can be detrimental. It is really important that fertiliser, whether organic or chemical, is used appropriately by everyone. As a farming nation and as an agricultural sector we take a very hard line in regard to anyone who is not doing that.

In putting this nitrates derogation in place, it is important that we have appropriate safeguards that are followed by everyone in terms of how it is applied. I will ask Mr. Nolan to comment further.