Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In October last Ireland submitted an action programme to the European Commission for further implementation of the nitrates directive. In December the Commission conveyed its view that the action programme was not complete and did not comply with the requirements of the directive or the judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland delivered in March 2004.

Subsequently my Department worked closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the preparation of an initial response to the Commission. This response was sent on 20 April and I understand a revised action programme, on which my Department has been consulted, will be sent to the Commission shortly.

Ireland submitted proposals for a derogation in November 2004 in parallel with the action programme. The proposals are designed to allow farmers to operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare. Developed by my Department and Teagasc in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the proposals set out a scientific justification for the higher operating levels based on the specific characteristics of Irish agriculture. While the Commission has stated it will not consider the application for a derogation until the action programme is agreed and in place, I am hopeful for a favourable outcome. My objective is and has been to minimise the burden of compliance which must be placed on farmers in implementing the nitrates directive and safeguard the future of commercial farming.

See this speech in context