Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the possible minor adjustments, the Minister referred to the issue of the 250 kg N/ha limit being kept in certain areas and dropping to 220 kg N/ha in other areas, which would then need to show improvement in water quality. It appears from the Commissioner's statements that all of this is based on evidence. Given that the stocking rate is not the be-all and end-all, as the Minister also said, if the 250 kg N/ha is kept in certain areas, is there a possibility that the 220 kg N/ha limit will increase to 250 kg N/ha if there is evidence to show improvement in water quality and the Department does an awful lot more to support farmers in improving water quality? Clearly not enough has been done and farmers will be supported to do more I presume. If this is all about the evidence and if the 250 kg N/ha limit is held in certain areas, will there be an opportunity for the 220 kg N/ha to go up based on evidence?