Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when guidelines will be issued to farmers here on the implementation of the nitrates action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5283/06]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when guidelines will be issued to farmers here on the implementation of the nitrates action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5602/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 76 together.

There has been much comment and speculation in recent days and weeks about the effect of the nitrates regulations on farming. I am aware that the implementation of the regulations will be challenging for some farmers. I am also aware that there is a serious information deficit on some aspects of the matter. Clearly, this is not in the interests of farmers themselves and I am anxious to bring clarity to the situation as soon as possible.

As a first step, my Department has placed advertisements in the farming press explaining the main provisions of the regulations in clear and straightforward terms. A handbook is being finalised and will be sent to every farmer as soon as possible. Officials of my Department have already had discussions with Teagasc about arrangements for the delivery of information which will further help farmers to understand the practical aspects of the new regulations.