Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans he has to re-examine the regulations being imposed on the spreading of pig slurry or poultry litter on farms in view of the high cost of fertiliser; his views on whether the new regulations being imposed regarding phosphate from 1 January 2011 will make it impossible under the current regulations to utilise such valuable organic manures and that the test work that has been done on this issue was carried out on totally different soil structures than that of Cavan and Monaghan where the main production of pigs and poultry is carried out; if he will ensure that proper research is carried out in this region and that results of such research would be used as a basis for proper regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25515/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The use of pig slurry or poultry litter as a fertiliser for the purposes of agriculture is governed by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006, which were introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to give effect to the Nitrates Directive. The Regulations place strict obligations on all farmers in terms of fertiliser application and the management and utilisation of animal manures with the objective of protecting and improving Ireland's water quality. I appreciate that certain sectors of farming, such as the pig and poultry industry, face particular challenges in adapting to meet the requirements of the Regulations. This was acknowledged by the inclusion in the Regulations of transitional provisions up to I January 2011, to allow for a period of adaptation for these sectors.

In order to assist with the adaptation process, my Department established the Working Group on Intensive Livestock Enterprises which includes representatives from Teagasc, the farm organisations, industry and other stakeholders. This Group, which has met on five occasions, is examining the issues facing these sectors and exploring possible solutions.

Nutrient off-take on most grassland farms in Ireland is low, resulting in a limited need for phosphorus in particular; and this is the limiting factor for most farms in the Cavan/Monaghan area. Tillage crops, on the other hand, provide a viable option for the use of pig and poultry manure.

My Department is also committed to seeking innovative solutions and in this regard has approved Investment Aid for 4 Demonstration On-Farm Waste Processing Facilities. A further 6 applications under this scheme are currently being considered.