Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The issue of a derogation from the water framework directive is being discussed and Article 9(4) is receiving specific attention. It is interesting to note the Minister's comment that Ireland does not have a derogation from the directive. Did we have a derogation at any stage? If so, was the Government notified that it was being removed and the grounds on which it was being removed?

Was its removal part of an arrangement with the troika and the previous Government when it signed the memorandum of understanding?

Article 9(4) offers a way of dealing with things differently, stating:

Member States shall not be in breach of this Directive if they decide in accordance with established practices not to apply the provisions of paragraph 1, second sentence, and for that purpose the relevant provisions of paragraph 2, for a given water-use activity, where this does not compromise the purposes and the achievement of the objectives of this Directive.

The Minister has a number of options, such as conservation.

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