David Maxwell (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I ask the Taoiseach about this week's announcement on the nitrates derogation for Irish farmers. Ireland's nitrates derogation is extremely important to the sector. Farmers have shown a willingness and a commitment to improve water quality. The nitrates directive introduced a set of measures for farmers to minimise the loss of nutrients to water from farming. For example, it sets rules on the storage of manure, it identifies periods when slurry must not be spread on land and it places limits on the application of chemical fertiliser. Farmers have embraced these measures. A core element is the limit on the application of organic manure to land, which, in effect, sets a legal limit on the number of livestock the land can carry. The nitrates derogation provides for a higher limit based on scientific criteria such as high rainfall and crops that take up more nitrogen such as grass. It is subject to the farmer implementing additional actions. This is what makes Ireland's grass-based agriculture unique among other European agricultural systems.

The confirmation by the European Commission that we must achieve compliance with the habitats directive to secure a derogation is a significant change. It is vital that we secure an extension of the derogation and that the best possible case is made to the European Commission. We must therefore address this challenge. Does the Taoiseach believe that appropriate assessment at the catchment and sub-catchment scale is the optimal approach to dealing with nitrates derogation compliance?

We need an approach that is reasonable, manageable and robust to help farmers retain the derogation. Since 2022, farmers have embraced significant regulatory changes under the current Nitrates Action Programme. There is now unprecedented engagement across the entire agrifood sector towards the objective of reducing agriculture's impact on water quality. Farmers are investing in slurry storage and low-emission slurry spreading through the State-backed TAMS. They are joining voluntary programmes like the ASSAP and Farming for Water and are improving biodiversity on farms through ACRES. Data published earlier this month by the EPA confirmed a 10% reduction in nitrates concentration in rivers in most regions this year. The EPA data gives cause for optimism that the measures are starting to deliver results. It is clear to be seen that the farming community has stepped up to the plate in being progressive. With the ending of the derogation at the end of the year, it is alarming that farmers around the country who have up to this point done everything asked of them could end up being penalised even though they are not the problem.

As it is part of our programme for Government, I ask that the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister, Deputy Heydon, do everything possible to secure the best deal for farming going forward and that we have a framework going into 2026 that gives farmers direction and certainty for their future.

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