Mr. Michael Moroney:

We have encountered it and it is something on which we would like some clarity. It appears that there are diverse views among local authorities as to what the digestate product is. That is not satisfactory from the contractor's perspective nor the perspective of the digester's owner.

Regarding the application of slurry, there is a relatively small number of disc systems in the country. A significant issue is that all of our soils in Ireland are derived from glacial product, meaning there is a great deal of stone in the soil. In many areas where slurry could be applied or is intended to be applied using injector systems, for example, discs, it will give rise to stone damage or to stones being brought to the surface. Farmers would not want to have slurry spread in those conditions. This situation is not widespread, but it is an issue in some cases. It would also add to the cost because the process of injecting is slower than using a splash plate or trailing shoe. That is an additional problem that people would have to address.

We have encountered this issue and are aware of it. We are trying to get clarity on whether the Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, or whoever will be able to identify the digestate product, which is a fertiliser and has the opportunity to displace artificial fertilisers, which have become very expensive. This is an opportunity and we do not want it wasted.