Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

I am advised the nitrates directive, as currently framed, will cause the worst crisis in rural Ireland since the economic war. I refer to the Government regulations giving effect to Directive No. 788 of 2005, a complex 47 page document. There will be major adverse effects on agriculture throughout the country as a consequence of these regulations, and particularly in my constituency of Cork South-West. The consequences will be calamitous and there will be an appalling impact on all sectors of our rural community and those dependent on them.

Many kinds of farming and farm-related activities take place in Cork South-West and this has caused me to speak in this debate. We have the best dairy farmers in the country, farming based on growing and grazing grass in an environmentally friendly manner for up to 330 days per year. Currently we have a competitive cost advantage but under the directive this advantage will be severely affected if not totally eliminated. We also have many less intensive farmers and in the earlier debates on the nitrates directive it was believed these would not be affected. It is now clear they will be affected and many will have their viability questioned.

I have spoken to many involved in the pigs and poultry sector recently. Their view is that they will be wiped out and I am not sure what is the Minister's reaction. Serious people involved in serious business foresee a wipeout. This is a major problem, affecting an area that has 10,000 sows.

I refer to four major co-ops, including Carbery, in my area. The workers in those co-ops will be affected and towns and villages dependent on agriculture and the food sector will be severely affected. I do not think the interests of these people are being properly addressed by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. I do not mean this in a personal sense as, on a personal level, I like the Minister for Agriculture and Food.

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