Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate Senator Bannon on his success at the selection convention but he should not let it over-awe him, and keep quiet.

If I go to Johnstown Castle and get a soil analysis, and apply that according to Teagasc advice, giving the crop nutrient as required, there is nothing wrong with that in terms of science. We are told that Ireland is obliged to implement the nitrates directive and does not have an option to postpone its implementation now. We are also told that Ireland must face up to the reality that the nitrates directive is European law and must be implemented.

We do not want to pay the fines, and it would be outrageous for this Government to allow itself to be put in a position where it had to pay fines from taxpayers' money. The directive must be implemented. It affects agriculture as well as the taxpayer. The threat of a fine is not solely a financial consideration in Ireland. Failure to implement the directive would have a serious impact on a range of payments to Irish farmers. The Commission insisted on the undertaking that Ireland would implement the nitrates directive when the current round of rural development measures was approved in 2000. Failure to implement it would affect REPS payments, compensatory allowances and forestry, and put early retirement schemes at risk. Furthermore, the Minister is making a new proposal for expanded schemes and for Leader programmes. The single farm payment would be put at risk. The Opposition motion is asking us to put those payments at risk.