Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am acutely aware of the repercussions of the nitrates directive. A considerable amount of investment has already been made by farmers. We do not build slurry pits every few years; they last for a considerable period of time. The considerable investment farmers have made over the years has been grant aided by this Government. The Deputy has 20:20 vision with hindsight. As I recall it, the rainbow Government abolished the farm waste management scheme and on our return to Government we re-introduced it.

I believe we have adequate resources at present. In the event of changes in the nitrates directive we will have to ascertain their financial implications for both commercial and small farm enterprises.

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