Written answers

Wednesday, 6 December 2006

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Environmental Policy

9:00 pm

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the growing fury in the farming community over measures set down in the nitrates good agricultural practice statutory instrument, S.I. No. 378, which empowers forcible entry to the homes of farm families through court order where entry is otherwise refused, the searching of dwellings and the removal of records, including computers, from the premises and domestic sheds within the curtilage of dwellings in view of the fact that such measures are being viewed as oppressive; his views on this Government's assault on the natural and constitutional rights of farm families, and the gross abuse of their privacy and enjoyment of the family home; his further views on removing the measures from the statutory instrument and the similar provision as set out in the Water Services Bill 2003 which he is currently piloting through Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41900/06]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 contain appropriate and necessary provisions to allow for verification by the relevant authorities of compliance with the Regulations. These largely standard provisions allow for matters such as the entry to premises by an authorised person with the consent of the occupier or, for example, where there is a significant immediate risk to the environment, by court order; the inspection of premises; the taking of samples and other matters considered essential to ensure compliance with, and to support implementation of, the Regulations. Similar provisions are to be found in environmental legislation generally.

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