Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

The nitrates directive was introduced in 1992, yet farmers still have no idea where they stand. The Minister stated grant aid for waste management purposes will be introduced by 1 January 2006 but did not indicate whether or when the derogation permitting the use of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare.

In light of a recent breakthrough in the area of pig manure as a result of a decision of a Spanish court, has the Minister re-examined the use of pig and poultry manure as fertiliser? As she and my constituency colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, are aware, pig and poultry are among the most important industries in Counties Cavan and Monaghan and the Border region in general. Has the Minister examined the implications of the court case? The ruling makes clear that pig and poultry manure are classified as fertiliser as opposed to waste. Will the Minister consider changing so-called waste management grants to manure or fertiliser storage grants and treat these important pig and poultry by-products in the appropriate manner? Will she also ensure that the greatest possible amount of these products can be spread on other farms without imposing excessive red tape? Does she accept the Commission's contention that excessive red tape must be eliminated?

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