Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister advise when the nitrates directive will be agreed? This situation is causing major distress for farmers who do not know what they must do. The Government has proposed to Brussels that counties Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan have a 22-week storage period. Will farmers in those counties get the extra grant that is required? This is justified given that in counties such as Cork there is only a 16-week storage period. This is a major issue. These people must plan for this. They wish to co-operate but they need an indication that grants will be at a realistic level to ensure they can afford to remain in business.

Is it correct that the under-20 stock unit can be decided by the member state? If the under-20 units cannot get grant aid, it will be the end of many small farmers in western areas.

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