Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I understand the gentleman from Teagasc, who has been very helpful in recent times, offered the information. I am not standing on ceremony on this issue. I want to do the best for farming but I also want to bring to an end to the nonsense that has gone on in this country about the nitrates directive. The reality is that we have boxed ourselves into a serious corner. We are the last country to sign up to the nitrates directive. We have already lost a case in the European Court of Justice. We face daily fines and interference with the single farm payments and we will not be able to progress the derogation. In those circumstances, it is not rocket science to determine the best way of progressing to service farming.

To be clear, Teagasc proffered some additional advice on the issue of phosphates following the signing of the regulation. It has been invited specifically to do so quickly and in a concerted way. It has been asked to bring robust science to us and if it does all of that, we will be able to take it back to the Commission. I am awaiting material from Teagasc and when I receive it I will deal with it.

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