Mr. Bill Callanan:

In terms of the interim review of the nitrates, that is under the aegis of the Department of housing. Let us be clear about that. As part of that a number of proposed changes have been put into that system and then the appropriate assessment etc. that accompanies it can be finalised. That process is expected to conclude by September, with an expectation of new regulations. The Senator will have to ask the Department of housing in terms of a definitive date but that is the general pace and direction.

As part of that, if that process identifies areas where the question of moving from 250 kg N/ha to 220 kg N/ha should arise, the Department has been clear and has advised the Department of housing that the Minister was clear that cows having been put in calf, that threshold needs to be understood with regard to any further move. We have put that in writing to the Department of housing so that it is at least understood as part of the process of developing and finalising the interim review. That is our position on it. On the output though-----