Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 407: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on her progress on having the recommendations of the Brosnan report accepted in the context of EU decisions on the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9247/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The nitrates action programme submitted to the Commission in October last emerged from a consultation process with stakeholders, including the farming organisations, and the recommendations of independent adviser, Mr. Denis Brosnan. Mr. Brosnan was appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Commission subsequently indicated that the action programme fell short in some respects of meeting the requirements of the nitrates directive. Officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and my Department have been in consultation with the Commission since.

When communicating its views on the action programme, the Commission had asked for a substantive response by 22 March, which is today. However, a request has been made to the Commission for a one-month extension. Agreement with the Commission is necessary not only to avoid the risk of substantial fines on Ireland but to safeguard ongoing EU funding of rural development measures. It remains my objective and that of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to minimise the burden of compliance which the nitrates directive will place on farmers and safeguard the future of the commercial farming sector.