Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

The first observation to be made regarding the nitrates directive is the Government's shocking and criminal failure to deal with the problem. I watched the "Six-one" news this evening and saw the IFA's new president, Pádraig Walshe, say that the measure could not be implemented. That is his reaction when the farmers pulled out of partnership negotiations today. Last Friday in Ennis, the Minister's colleague, Deputy Roche, was greeted by angry farmers when he arrived at his hotel. The Minister would be greeted by angry farmers if she decided to tour the country.

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