Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedure involved for farmers to avail of the 250 kg derogation under the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40451/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's application for a derogation under the Nitrates Directive was approved at a meeting of the EU Nitrates Committee on 13 November. The draft Commission Decision on the matter is now going through a routine scrutiny process, and I expect the formal Decision granting the derogation to be finalized by Christmas. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will then amend the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations, 2006 to give legal effect to the derogation. Once the legal basis for the derogation is in place, my Department will publish full information and guidelines for farmers at the earliest opportunity.