Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy that the derogation is the most important point. The derogation deals with the nitrates side of the issue and is the most critical issue. The Commission has agreed to allow me to continue with the negotiations on the derogation. The regulations needed to be signed on Sunday, 11 December, which I did, in order that the following day we could go to the nitrates committee, which is made up of representatives of all member states. That was the only way we could open the derogation negotiations. The Deputy asked when these would be concluded. They will not be concluded until a fully operative nitrates regulation is in place. If Teagasc produces robust scientific input, I will take it to Brussels. However, it will need to be based on robust science to avoid the confusion we have had in recent times. In the derogation negotiations we will need to have very fair and unequivocal material.

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