Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her role to date on the implementation of the nitrates action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12027/06]

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. My own Department has worked closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government throughout the lengthy consultation process leading to the development of the nitrates action programme and the regulations.

In December, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made Regulations giving legal effect to Ireland's national action programme under the nitrates directive. These regulations were finalised following difficult negotiations between the European Commission and officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture and Food.

In January, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced a short de facto deferral of part 3 of the 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 has been 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.