Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

We have had poor weather over the past period and the going is quite soft around the country. I refer to Schedule 4 of SI 378 of 2006, the nitrates directive, dealing with the land spreading of slurry. The closing date for the land spreading of slurry is Saturday next, 15 October. I understand the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is considering extending the deadline in light of the poor weather conditions. There is not much point announcing it next Friday, when all of the slurry will have been spread. Can we get an indication from the Government and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the closing date will be extended so that farmers are in a position to hold off on land spreading in current conditions?

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