Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 479: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress to date on securing a derogation on the Nitrates Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32941/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Consideration of Ireland's proposals for a derogation to allow certain farmers to operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250kg of organic nitrogen per hectare per annum is at an advanced stage. Officials from my Department and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government made a presentation regarding our derogation proposals to the EU Nitrates Committee on 19 September 2006. Questions were consequently received from member States and these have been responded to in writing by Ireland. A further meeting of the Committee was held yesterday and I am hopeful that a positive Commission proposal on our request will be presented for approval at the November Committee meeting.