Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the means she has or will put in place to encourage cultivation of crops in rotations which have a high nitrogen uptake such as stubble turnips, winter rye, Westerwolds ryegrass, mustard, phacelia, forage rape and so on to assist with compliance of the nitrates directive. [12177/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The cultivation of crops in rotations which have a high nitrogen uptake is good environmental and agronomic practice. However, decisions on the cultivation of crops and the specific rotation adopted on any holding are entirely a matter for the occupier of the holding who may avail of professional advice from his or her agricultural advisor if needed. It is the responsibility of the occupier of a holding to ensure compliance with the provisions of the nitrates regulations in relation to that holding.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress her Department is making, in consultation with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in considering the advice received from Teagasc in relation to phosphorous and nitrogen limits with regard to the derogation of part three of the nitrates directive; when it is expected the negotiations with the Commission to be resumed in relation to derogation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12182/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In January, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced a short de facto deferral of part 3 of the nitrates regulations, which covers nutrient management. This was to allow Teagasc to submit revised advice in relation to phosphorus limits.

A detailed Teagasc submission, covering phosphorus as well as other aspects of the regulations, was received earlier this month. Officials of the two Departments have been examining it and a copy of the Teagasc advice was provided to the European Commission. Officials of the two Departments and representatives from Teagasc met the Commission on 22 March and Teagasc has now made available copies of various background research papers to assist the Commission in considering the new advice.

The Commission's agreement will be required for any amendments that may be proposed to the regulations and I am satisfied that the Commission is open to arguments that are scientifically robust. However, it is important that the matter is brought to a quick conclusion so that negotiations on a derogation, which is vital to a large number of more intensive farmers, can proceed.