Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

This morning, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Commissioner McGrath. I welcome the positive news that the European Commission has recommended the extension of the nitrates derogation. I acknowledge the Minister's role in fighting for Ireland. I said numerous times that we as a country were going to have to go into the trenches on the nitrates derogation, and we did. The devil will be in the detail. That will be made available over the next couple of weeks. However, this gives a bit of clarity and certainty to farmers. We do not know the specifics yet. It has been well received out in the community and by farmers whom I spoke to this morning. It is important to acknowledge the Minister's role, the Commissioner's role, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach. It has been a united effort. Everybody has been on the same page. This is a positive day for Ireland. Hopefully, we can get it through in the next couple of weeks.

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