Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views of the proposed EU soil protection directive; the input she has made into its formulation; the way its transposition and implementation are expected to affect farmers here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9098/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The proposal by the Commission for a Framework Directive is intended to establish a common strategy across all Member States for the protection and sustainable use of soil. Its aims include the integration of soil concerns into other policies, preservation of soil functions within the context of sustainable use, prevention of threats to soil and mitigation of their effects, and restoration of degraded soils. While some of the measures relate to agriculture, the proposals would also extend to other sectors and as such a number of Irish Government Departments will be involved.

The national position on this proposal will be finalised in conjunction with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, but I have already expressed my own views on the subject in relation to the agriculture sector at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in January.

It is my view that any policies to be adopted in the proposed Soil Framework Directive must be flexible and adaptable given the diverse nature of soils in the Member States. In addition, they should not replicate or cut across existing measures and should avoid imposing an untoward financial burden on Member States. Ireland has also supported the similar concerns expressed by a number of other Member States in relation to the proposals. I understand that the Commission may present a report on progress to the Agriculture Council in March.