Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I request on behalf of my group a proper debate on the nitrates directive. We have seen in the headlines today who are the big polluters. The farmers are being blamed here. Bringing the nitrates directive rates down from 250 kg to 220 kg will have a devastating impact on medium-sized and large farmers, and not that large either in the cases of those who have 50 to 100 cows. They will have to cull or get rid of so many of their animals to meet these unachievable and unattainable targets. It will not be viable for them to survive anymore. It is another way of getting rid of the farmers and getting rid of the animals. Green policy has gone daft, and the Government will not touch what it should be touching. It is time the Government stood up - they are supposed to be rural parties - to defend the farming communities and our food sector, which is so badly needed and has been so vital in rural Ireland for generations. Those nitrates directive rates might be all fine and dandy, but they are not achievable. It will cause havoc to so many young farm families if they go ahead.

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