Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 385: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of his review of the Nitrates Directive; his plans for consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33527/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Nitrates Directive and Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme are given legal effect by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 and 2007. These Regulations provide for a review, by the EPA, of progress made in implementing the Regulations. The Agency is required to submit a report to me by 31 December 2008 with the results of the review and with recommendations as to such additional measures, if any, as appear to be necessary to reduce and prevent water pollution from agricultural sources.

In preparing its report the Agency is required to consult with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the co-ordinating local authority in each river basin district and other such persons as it considers appropriate.

In accordance with the Regulations, and following consultation with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and with other interested parties, I will prepare and publish a new Nitrates Action Programme by 30 June 2009. Detailed provisions with regard to public consultation on the Action Programme are set out in the Regulations.