Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I again thank the Deputy for raising the issue with me. I take the opportunity to welcome the fact that we at least have a time scale and schedule because the plans have been discussed for the past five years. By 20 April the plans will be adopted - it is a reserve function if necessary. Alternatively, it will be adopted by executive function by 14 May. The EPA is to submit a report to the Minister by 31 May 2010 and the Minister is to make amendments, if any, by 30 June 2010. Plans are due to come into effect from 9 July 2010.

The Deputy is aware that the Department is concerned about the impact it will have on the agricultural sector. Again, we are mindful of the fact that it is all about clean water and ensuring that we reduce the level of nitrate in our water, not just in our rivers but also our lakes, across all sectors. I am sure the Deputy is acutely aware of the what we saw last winter, in terms of the level of flooding and the difficulties which that posed at that particular time.

On supplementary measures, we will be informed about them from the findings of the EPA review of the nitrates regulations. It will inform the Department of its position regarding where it will stand. The Department has also raised concerns about specific proposals on the use and control of pesticides, over grazing remediation and aquacultural licensing. It is an area on which we are keeping a close eye.

See this speech in context