James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the introduction of an EU compliant commercial fertiliser is being processed at such a slow pace to the detriment of a business concern (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13667/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There have been ongoing discussions between my Department and the business concern involved in this matter. The business proposes to use meat and bone meal (MBM) in the manufacture of fertiliser. The use of MBM, which is an animal by-product, is strictly regulated under both EU and national legislation, in order to protect public and animal health.

The business proposes to get a third party to manufacture the fertiliser. This party has applied for approval of a technical plant to manufacture the product in accordance with the requirements of Article 18 of Regulation (EC) 1774/2002. It has not been possible as yet to issue approval for this plant as it does not meet the regulatory requirements at present. Discussions are ongoing between my officials and the third party in an attempt to resolve this matter.

The business operator has also applied for approval to conduct research trials using the MBM based fertiliser. My Department has sought additional information on these proposed trials. When this information is supplied the application will be processed as a matter of urgency.