Mr. Bill Callanan:

Generally speaking, our water would be in the top third of European member states. I think we are number 13. It depends on whether it is ground water, river water, etc. We are not best in class, but we are certainly a long way from worst in class for our overall water quality. I have been involved in this since 2010. At that time, Germany was applying for derogation. At one point, the Po Valley of Italy applied for derogation. Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland, were all applying for the availability of a derogation. Most of those countries have now moved away from applying for a derogation. Germany no longer applies. At this time, Ireland and the Netherlands are the only countries with a derogation. The Dutch one concludes at the end of this year. It has written to the Commission but it has not moved at the pace Ireland is at with presentations to the nitrates committee, which is a necessary precursor to securing a positive vote.