Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will neither condemn nor congratulate the Minister on how he is dealing with the difficulties farmers are experiencing. Instead, I want to put some practical suggestions to him.

We all know there is no fodder reserve left in this country and we are eating into next winter’s reserve. Under the nitrates directive, farmers are required to limit the amount of nitrogen from livestock manure that is applied on their lands to no more than 170 kg per hectare. If that were raised to 200 kg per hectare, it would lead to more intensive farming and allow farmers to gather more fodder for the year ahead. I know there would be difficulties in getting such a derogation but, regardless of what happens between now and next November, there is a fodder deficit that must be tackled. Even if we have a normal winter, next year will be difficult too. Will the Minister examine a derogation under the nitrates directive without any change in application forms and so forth?

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