Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I refute the Deputy's political innuendo. The support for agriculture from the Government and, in particular, my team has been second to none. It is high time we took the scaremongering out of what are very serious issues arising from the nitrates directive. Instead of issuing press releases we need to work with the sector to ensure it is viable. I have demonstrated my commitment with huge investment in farm waste management and huge investment in alternatives, €4 million having been made available this year. Above all I, the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, will pursue that vigorously.

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