Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for his helpful and reassuring reply both in regard to the relatively small nature of the reductions except in severe cases of infringement and equally the reassurance — which would have been my experience in the past — that a certain level of tolerance is applied, which is all I seek. I understand the Department is working hard on the exact definitions of soiled water and slurry as they apply to the nitrates directive regulations. Many farmers are under greater pressure than they would normally be at this time of year.