Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 325: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way she proposes to deal with what is now perceived to be incorrect advice given by Teagasc advisers when advising dairy farmers in respect of the storage of soiled water from milking parlours (details supplied); the person with whom the responsibility for this error lies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43516/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am satisfied that my Department has correctly interpreted the requirements of the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (SI No. 378 of 2006) with regard to slurry and soiled water.

The requirement for soiled water storage is clearly set out in the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (S.I. No. 378 of 2006). Article 8 requires that facilities for soiled water storage shall equal or exceed the capacity required to store all soiled water likely to arise on the holding during a period of 10 days. The Regulations also contain a very precise definition of soiled water.

The reference to 16 weeks relates to the storage of livestock manures. The requirements in relation to storage of livestock manure are 16, 18, 20 or 22 weeks, depending on the Zone in which the holding is located.

This is a farm management issue and it is up to each individual farmer to decide, in consultation with his or her adviser if they wish, how best to meet the requirements of the Regulations regarding the storage and management of soiled water and livestock manures on his or her holding.