Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 131: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself regarding the water quality here; his views on whether the nitrates directive will have an impact on water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5289/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 148: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will publish the advice provided to him by Teagasc on the enactment of the nitrates directive into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5284/06]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 187: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the differences there are between the completed nitrates directive signed in December 2005 and the advice given to him by Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5313/06]

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 199: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the advice provided to him by Teagasc on the enactment of the nitrates directive into Irish law will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5291/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 210: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to amend the controversial nitrates directive in view of the Irish Farmers Association strong opposition to the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5259/06]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 222: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the advice provided to him by Teagasc on the enactment of the nitrates directive into Irish law will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5288/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 653: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has studied a recent Teagasc report in the matter of water quality with particular reference to the nitrates directive; if he has received submissions from the Department of Agriculture and Food arising from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5770/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 148, 187, 199, 210, 222 and 653 together.

I refer to the replies to Question No. 215 on 9 February 2006 and to Priority Question No. 105 and Questions Nos. 107 and 112 on today's Order paper. Water quality in Ireland is generally good but has been deteriorating since the 1970s due to the increasing incidence of slight to moderate pollution. The third report of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, on the state of the environment — Ireland's Environment 2004 — identifies eutrophication of inland waters as perhaps Ireland's most serious environmental pollution problem. Eutrophication arises mainly from excess inputs of phosphorus from sources such as farming, sewage and industry. Excess inputs of nitrates also contribute to eutrophication, especially in saline waters, for example, estuaries, coastal and marine waters.

Across the European Union, agriculture accounts for the bulk of nitrate and phosphorus nutrient losses to the environment; in Ireland, some 73% of all phosphorus and 82% of all nitrate inputs to waters are attributable to agriculture. Reduction of these agricultural inputs is essential to redress known environmental problems affecting Ireland's surface water and ground-water. According to the most recent EPA report on water quality in Ireland, published in June 2005, some 20% of ground-water has nitrate concentrations above EU drinking water guide levels, 27% of Ireland's rivers are affected by eutrophication and there is widespread bacteriological contamination of ground-water and drinking water supplies by livestock manure. My Department is not aware of any general Teagasc report on water quality.

The primary input of Teagasc in the context of the nitrates action programme related to nutrient management and was based on its published guidelines, Nutrient and Trace element Advice for Grassland, Tillage, Vegetable and Fruit Crops, second edition 2004. Teagasc was closely involved in the process of preparing the nitrates action programme and the case for the derogation. Much of its advice would have been given orally in the context of meetings and discussions.

I have at all times during the development of the national nitrates action programme and the related regulations been in continuing liaison with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food.