Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is perfect and I thank the Cathaoirleach. I thank Deputy Fitzmaurice. As he said, the committee visited and got first-hand feedback on the backdrop to the negotiations on the derogation and on the challenge whereby we have to make sure we are working collectively to ensure we hold the 220 kg N/ha. We are one of only three member states that has a derogation. Every other member state has to farm at a maximum of 170 kg N/ha. We believe, and have clearly communicated, that there are good reasons why we have it. To continue to have that derogation from the 170 kg N/ha we need to meet the ambition of improving water quality. If we do not show that these trends are improving, it will be a very challenging situation. Deputy Fitzmaurice was clear on the backdrop and his engagement with the Commissioner.

Deputy Fitzmaurice mentioned several issues, including the nitrates figure with regard to welfare and calves and in terms of how we will do our nitrates action programme review over the course of the rest of the year. We are looking at several issues where we could adjust the nitrogen excretion rates for certain categories. One of these is calves from zero to nine months. There is one standard average. We believe by looking at it and making an assessment on zero to three months, there is a possibility to make an adjustment. The team is also looking at protein content for meal and whether this is something that could provide flexibility.

We must also see how we can support farmers working together with regard to the export of the slurry. We already have 6,500 farmers who export some slurry. It is much more challenging in some parts of the country where there is not the same land available. It varies throughout the country. In some parts of the country there are not the same opportunities to export because there is not the same tillage land. There is potential in some parts of the country to see how we can integrate it better and make sure the advisory services look to provide this support.

Deputy Fitzmaurice made a point on the CAP and the single farm payment. He discussed these with the Commissioner. That discussion will kick off shortly.