John Carty (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

It was noticeable that Labour Party Members were not present when the Deputy contributed but they were present to hear the Minister's contribution. The Deputy's Green Party colleagues were also not present.

The section of the regulations that Deputy Roche has deferred deals with nutrient management. As the section stands, some of the more extensive REPS farmers would be allowed to use less chemical fertiliser and this would also apply to other farmers. The work that Teagasc is doing may lead to a change in these rules but, in any event, through better spreading technology and better timing, farmers can improve the efficiency of livestock manure and that this would compensate for a reduction in chemical fertiliser. Grant aid for the new technology will be provided in the improved farm waste management scheme, which will be a big help.

I commend the Minister on her work. I wish her well and she has the full support of this side of the House.

See this speech in context