Mr. Bernard Harris:

As part of the review of the regulations, it was clearly stated in consultations that we wanted to review all the technical tables. Any technical tables that were part of the regulation were examined. One was the nitrogen and phosphorous value in slurry. It was clear that its value was higher than in many other EU member states. A review was undertaken with clear methodology for its evaluation. It was clear that the nitrogen value was too high to reflect the current situation. The Teagasc green book made that distinction a while ago when it was published. In the review of the nitrates action programme and the amendment to the regulation, we introduced that figure of 2.4 kg for the end value in slurry to reflect the situation on the ground.