David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 238: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which the nitrates directive will be enforced; the bodies that will be charged with enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9944/06]

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

The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2005 provide that local authorities and shall carry out such inspections of farm holdings as are necessary for the purposes of the regulations. The regulations also provide that local authorities should aim to co-ordinate their inspection activities with inspections carried out by other public authorities and further provide for an inspection protocol which is to be drawn up between my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Food. Farm inspections will be carried out by the Department of Agriculture and Food in the context of cross-compliance under the single payment scheme.

It should also be noted that local authorities act under the general supervision of the EPA in relation to the performance of their environmental protection functions.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 239: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress being made in relation to nitrates directive and derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9945/06]

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

I refer to the replies to Questions Nos. 51, 76 and 93 of 8 March 2006.