Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important to say that there has not been a change with regard to the regulations, apart from for some farmers above the nitrates application's 130 kg N/ha requirement for soil sampling. That was communicated in 2022 and 2023. I know that the Agricultural Consultants Association has raised this and the understanding among farmers about this in the last short period of time, and I take the Deputy's point on the INHFA as well. It is something I have discussed in detail with my team in the Department. I have asked my team to meet with the advisory services and the Agricultural Consultants Association shortly, and also Teagasc, to have a discussion with them on how we can make sure farmers are aware of what the situation is, and also to make sure that if additional communication is required, it can be got to them. The ACA in particular has been flagging this in recent times.

However, as I said, the regulations have not been changed. They have been place. It is important that we all work together to make sure farmers are aware of the situation and their obligations. It is in farmers' interest because they will save money and be more profitable by adhering to the regulations.

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