Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

It is an organic fertiliser that can be used for other purposes. That is why three weeks I ago I sought ten projects for the Department, for which I have provided €4 million this year. It may be necessary to do something beyond that and I am actively working with both of my colleagues on that matter.

The seriousness of the matter is such that I have consulted many eminent people, for example, from the University of Limerick, and have accepted suggestions for the poultry sector and for cross-Border solutions to the issue. I intend to ensure there is no adverse effect on farmers from the nitrates directive, though alternatives must be used. In many other countries farming methods are different and that creates a difficulty for us. In the roll-out of the directive and in signing off statutory instruments I will continue to further evaluate the situation and examine further avenues available to me to support them.

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