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

The interests of rural Ireland have not been looked after by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. Her statement in April of last year, suggesting Fine Gael was exaggerating the problem, defies criticism given the current outcome. This position was reiterated by the Taoiseach last week, who seemed to dismiss the difficulties, in response to Deputy Kenny. The Government and the Minister for Agriculture and Food have sleepwalked rural Ireland into a catastrophe. Many farmers have been placed in an untenable position and many are now breaking the law without being aware of it.

The past is past and the damage has been done. What can be done to rescue rural Ireland? Regulation No. 788 of 2005 should be withdrawn in its entirety. Regulation is necessary as has been clearly outlined by Deputy Naughten, who has highlighted this issue for the past 18 months. Any revised document should take into account the realities outlined by Fine Gael. It should also be based on scientific data and an objective assessment of water quality in Ireland. We seek a framework that can be implemented without threatening farming and farm related operations. This requires a reasoned public debate focussing on the objectives to be achieved. Despite the improvements in water quality objectives must be achieved but we must focus on major concerns that arise.

We must receive a decent derogation and the figure of 250 kilogrammes is generally accepted. Besides the figure, we must consider conditions that may be attached to the regulations. In the world of single farm payments there is no point in having complicated conditions, endless bureaucracy and high cost in compliance. The derogation should be practical and long-term as there is no point in a one or two year derogation.

I am not certain how many have studied this entire document but I have studied it with experts in the field. Tables 12 and 13 are a disaster and should be withdrawn. These are economic guidelines from Teagasc set as legal maxima but we want best practice advice from Teagasc for each farmer.

Confusion exists in respect of grants. Decent grants, perhaps 70%, should be made available for a reasonable length of time but there is no point in having a scheme such as this if the grants cannot be drawn down. Sufficient time should be provided so that farmers can comply and provide storage space. The confusion that exists, with a law that farmers do not understand, must end and we seek proper public consultation and guideline documents for farmers. Farmers, advisors, inspectors, county council members and Deputies do not know what is happening. The information deficit is enormous.

We must examine the problems of less intensive farmers and the possibility for industries such as pigs and poultry. What has the Minister done regarding advances in technology? Last week a contract was signed between UCC and Moor Park on technology and this reflects the Government's position. A contract was signed last week concerning a regulation that came into effect on 1 February.

See this speech in context