Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

What, if anything, is the Government, more particularly the Department of Agriculture and Food, doing with regard to the nitrates action plan? There is a strong view, with which I concur, that it is neither manageable nor practical in its current format. If we are serious about the pig and poultry industry, on which the nitrates directive would have a devastating impact, we should be seriously negotiating a derogation. There is a strong feeling that the Department of Agriculture and Food is taking a laid back approach to the matter. Will the Leader ensure that proper interest is immediately taken by the Department? The matter is at a serious stage.