Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this point. We in government fundamentally believe in the importance of the nitrates derogation. Our 7,000 derogation farmers are operating to a higher level of environmental sustainability and with a higher level of conditionality to reach to meet that point. We know the economic value it has for our country, with 49% of our dairy herd in derogation and producing 65% of our milk. The majority of the €6.3 billion worth of exports from our dairy sector, which is so important to our rural economy, comes from that area.

That is why it is a top priority for me that I continue in my engagement with the Commission. Commissioner Roswall will visit Ireland later in the week. I addressed the meeting in Cork last night that 2,000 farmers attended looking for the retention of the nitrates derogation. I stand full square with them, as does the Government, in doing everything we can to retain the derogation beyond the end of this year.

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