Mr. David Flynn:

The requirements of the nitrates directive still apply. I also want to comment on a comparison between member states that comes up a lot. Speaking relatively, we have good water quality in Ireland in comparison with many other member states. There is a requirement in both the water framework directive and the nitrates directive that this does not deteriorate. The fact that we started with such good water quality means we have to hold that good water quality. That does not mean the others do not have to improve. That comparison with other states sometimes comes up and does not really help.