Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

On the derogation, a meeting of the nitrates committee will be held in March. It is unlikely, however, that discussions on a derogation for Ireland will take place on the basis that current discussions on the suspended Part 3 have not concluded. On the scientific evidence provided, Teagasc provides this evidence to my Department and, in particular, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The scientific evidence was submitted on the basis that discussions and negotiations were taking place with the Commission. Some of this evidence was accepted by the Commission and some was not.

I wrote to the chairman of Teagasc several weeks ago requesting that his organisation make available the additional scientific evidence on phosphates which had been brought to my attention. This has appeared in draft form and will be discussed by the Teagasc board on 20 February. I am led to believe the evidence will also cover other issues and these will also be considered, albeit in the context of my specific request for information on phosphates.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government commented on Tuesday on what the position would be should robust scientific evidence become available. Deputy Naughten may not wish to hear this but he will eventually remember that the nitrates directive is not my responsibility but that of another Minister. The Minister stated in the House on Tuesday that if robust scientific evidence is made available to him, he will be more than happy to work with me in persuading the Commission to address the issues of concern. I assume the board of Teagasc will notify these to me on Monday.

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