Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The role of Teagasc is to provide integrated research, advisory and training services for the agriculture and food industry. It is a matter for Teagasc to determine the most effective means of providing advice on the requirements of the nitrates regulations as they apply to individual holdings. I expect, however, that such advice would be delivered primarily via this existing network. Advisers and consultants in the private sector will provide similar advisory services. The fact the nitrates regulations will specify maximum fertiliser limits means farmers will require advice, in particular about making the maximum use of the nutrients in livestock manure. This is an area in which Teagasc can play a critical role.

Teagasc will also make important contributions in other areas. My Department is in discussions with it about arrangements for the delivery of information for farmers on the practical implications of the regulations. I have also asked Teagasc to undertake a promotion campaign to demonstrate the nutrient value of slurry and savings farmers can achieve by substituting it for chemical fertiliser. It is particularly important for REPS planners, both in Teagasc and the private sector, to encourage their clients to utilise pig manure on their farms. Teagasc will have an important role in ongoing research and undertaking, participating in or contributing to the specific research commitments contained in the nitrates action plan.

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