Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to support farmers here by promoting measures for the minimisation of agricultural waste and for effective and environmentally friendly waste disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28600/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 547: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to provide supports to facilitate and ensure the implementation of EU directives on water, waste, nitrates and integrated pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28601/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 547 together.

Waste management is primarily a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The control authorities for water, nitrates and integrated pollution are the Environmental Protection Agency and/or local authorities.

Under the Cross-compliance arrangements for the Single Payment System, this Department carries out checks on farms in receipt of the SPS for compliance with the requirements of the nitrates regulations. My Department has also taken steps to assist farmers meet their obligation under the Regulations, such as the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme in 2006, publication of an Explanatory Handbook, information meetings for farmers and providing statements of nitrogen and phosphorus produced on farms.