Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is why we fought very hard to hold the 250 kg N/ha and fought very hard in the review to continue to have that possibility. Obviously, the water quality data did not support that. We then fought to try to have the derogation and renegotiate it.

Regarding where we will stand under the next derogation post 2025 and whether there is a possibility for some parts of the country showing very good progress to go from 220 kg N/ha to 250 kg N/ha for example, that is something we want to put into the negotiation process for the next derogation to try to make sure that it is following the data and the science in every way possible so that it is as strong as possible in supporting farmers in the actions they are taking. That really needs to be put on the table then. In the meantime, however, our focus must be on working to bring about the improvement in water quality that puts us in a position to hold that derogation. As I said, the last time we were fighting a battle even to get to that 220 kg N/ha because, as part of the review process, the Commission wanted it set much lower than that.