Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to amend the nitrates action plan in view of the fact that it contradicts REP scheme rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37715/05]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to amend the nitrates implementation plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37701/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 87 together.

The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Ireland's national action programme was formally submitted to the European Commission in July, and regulations giving legal effect to the programme are being finalised following a consultation process. Where the requirements of REPS are superseded by the regulations, then the scheme requirements must be amended or updated as appropriate. The nitrates action programme and the regulations being finalised by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government allow occupiers of holdings a period of time to put required facilities in place. This provision will apply equally to participants in REPS.