Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on her analysis of the effect of the proposed nitrates directive and proposals to overcome the difficulties presented for the poultry industry. [4394/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ireland submitted an action programme for the further implementation of the directive to the European Commission on 22 October 2004.

The likely impacts of the nitrates directive on the various sectors in agriculture were considered at length when the action programme was being devised. The process included two periods of public consultation during which various interested parties made valuable input. An independent adviser, Mr. Denis Brosnan, was appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to review the written comments and to report to the Minister with his recommendations. Mr. Brosnan's recommendations were reflected in the action programme.

I am aware that some of the requirements of the action programme submitted to the European Commission, such as those relating to the storage and management of organic manures, have given rise to concern among some farmers and, in particular, among intensive producers such as those in the poultry sector. My Department has already made a number of improvements to its schemes in order to assist farmers in meeting their obligations under the nitrates directive. Mr. Brosnan's report recommended some additional changes to schemes, including the possibility of increased funding for the farm waste management scheme, together with its extension to other sectors such as the poultry sector. No decisions have been taken on these points.

In parallel with the action programme, Ireland also submitted a derogation proposal to the European Commission setting out a scientific justification for operating levels of up to 250 kg organic nitrogen per hectare, based on the specific characteristics of Irish agriculture. The derogation proposals are also designed, inter alia, to ensure that outlets remain for the utilisation of organic manure produced by intensive farm enterprises. The final details of any such derogation provision will be the subject of negotiations with the Commission, which has indicated that it will consider the matter only when an acceptable action programme is agreed and in place.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government over the coming months to reach agreement with the European Commission on the implementation of the nitrates directive in a manner that will minimise the burden of compliance on farmers generally and ensure that the future of Ireland's commercial agriculture sector is safeguarded.