Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)

I wish the Senator well for the term ahead. It is great to have her as a member of this committee.

Her questions demonstrate the very reason we put into the programme for Government a clear commitment to establishing a Cabinet committee on water quality. Chaired by the Taoiseach, it had its first meeting at the end of March. A second meeting is scheduled for the middle of June. The whole idea behind that commitment in the programme for Government was to recognise the fact that when this conversation is had, questions are asked about what farmers and the agricultural sector are doing to improve water quality. They are not the only contributors to water quality. As the Senator has outlined, our local authorities, Uisce Éireann and the EPA all have a role to play. When that conversation is had, we must pull on the green jersey and ensure everyone is doing their bit to give us the best chance to improve our water quality and help our farmers to retain this derogation that is so important for our overall economy. The Cabinet committee is an important tool in that regard. Its second meeting will be in June.

On the broader point, this is about considering water quality in all its forms and recognising that farmers are making considerable strides in this area. They are very much supported by my Department. Significant TAMS grants are available for low-emission slurry spreading, increased slurry storage and beyond. We are making efforts in that regard to support farmers to make interventions that will make a big change.