Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on extending the date for spreading slurry on agricultural land in view of recent heavy rainfall and poor ground conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35246/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The spreading of animal manures and slurry is governed by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In view of the poor weather conditions in recent months, with the exceptional rainfall making land unsuitable at times for the spreading of livestock manures and slurry, I obtained the agreement of the Minister Gormley to an extension of the spreading period to 31 October. I am confident that this extension will give respite to those who felt unable to meet the deadline of 15 October laid down in the Regulations.

I would remind farmers that this is an extension of time only and all other rules remain in place. All landspreading activity is conditional on weather and ground conditions being suitable as set out in the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations. Livestock manures or any fertilisers may not be landspread when, for example, land is waterlogged, flooded or likely to flood, or frozen; or if heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours. Buffer zones are specified for different kinds of water bodies and fertilisers may not be applied within those buffer zones. In addition, the absolute prohibition on landspreading during the months of November and December remains.