Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister has segued perfectly into the last topic I will raise, namely, nitrates, which is a huge issue and a serious threat. I have spoken to farmers throughout my constituency and the country about the struggles they are facing. My view is that the Government must be prepared to go into the trenches on this one. We have to try our best to convince the European Commission and the other 26 member states that Ireland has to retain the derogation. If it is not retained, it will have a devastating and lasting impact on dairy farmers. Carbon dioxide emissions have exploded following a century of industrialisation, urbanisation and massive transport expansion. The damage cannot be reversed in a few short years. Huge progress has been made but common sense must prevail. The farming and food industry are the backbone of rural Ireland. That is a major distinction between Ireland and the larger EU countries. Schools, the GAA and other sports, shops and businesses all depend on farming and the food industry flourishing. We accept the climate impact on the environment.

There must be a balanced perspective when legislating for corrective measures. I will be imploring the Minister as a representative of the Irish Parliament to fight as hard as he can for the nitrates derogation to be extended.