Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the most recent proposals submitted to the European Commission in relation to the EU Nitrates Directive will allow for an increase in the amount of nitrate spread on land here; and the way in which he will ensure that these proposals will not result in a decline in water quality. [22495/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Nitrates Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22314/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to enforce the Nitrates Directive; the status of the derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22315/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 122 and 125 together.

Ireland's national Nitrates Action Programme has been given statutory effect by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2005 which came in to effect generally on 1 February 2006. Some aspects of the Regulations are at present under review on the basis of scientific advice received subsequent to the making of the Regulations. Proposals for amending Regulations were sent to the EU Commission on 18 May 2006. The proposals include a number of new measures to address issues identified in certain areas, while ensuring that the overriding need for adequate protection of water quality will not be undermined. The proposed new measures include:

—a transition period to benefit pig, poultry and mushroom producers

—the introduction of a transition period for REPS farmers

—changes to the nitrogen Index system for tillage crops

—a newly-defined phosphorus Index 3 for grassland

—a reduction in the number of stocking-rate bands for both phosphorus and nitrogen grassland fertilisation limits, and

—an increase in the nitrogen limit for grassland for the majority of farmers.

Representatives of my Department, the Department of Agriculture and Food and Teagasc met with Commission officials on 30 May 2006 to discuss the proposed amendments. Progress was made at this meeting but a number of issues remain to be clarified. Further information was recently sent to the Commission to facilitate further consultations. Subsequent to securing the agreement of the Commission I hope to be in a position to make new Regulations this month.

Ireland has sought the approval of the EU Commission for a derogation from 170 kg to 250 kg organic nitrogen per hectare in relation to livestock manure applied to land. While the objective had been to secure agreement of a derogation by mid-2006, consideration of the proposal is at present in abeyance pending finalisation of the proposals for amendment of the Regulations. The derogation proposal will need to be considered at future meetings of the EU Nitrates Committee before approval can be obtained.