Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 434: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the issues raised by the Irish Farmers Association concerning the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9341/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the concerns expressed by the Irish Farmers Association, and by other farming representatives, about the nitrates directive. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made regulations in December giving legal effect to Ireland's national action programme under the nitrates directive. This followed a lengthy and comprehensive consultation process to which many interested organisations and stakeholders, including the Irish Farmers Association, contributed. The regulations were finalised following difficult negotiations between the European Commission and officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and my Department. In these discussions, both Departments made use of the advice provided by Teagasc. It was the Commission, however, that determined the final content of the regulations.

The regulations came into force on 1 February but the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, after consultation with the European Commission, agreed to a temporary de facto deferral of the part of the regulations dealing with fertiliser limits to give Teagasc an opportunity to review the advice it had given on phosphorus limits. Teagasc has now submitted revised advice which covers not only phosphorus but other aspects of the regulations as well. My officials and officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are currently examining the submission, having regard to the fact that any proposals for revision of the regulations must respect the environmental requirements associated with the nitrates directive and will require the agreement of the Commission.