Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the recent report published by the Food and Safety Authority of Ireland recommending the banning of septic tank residual sludge on grassland and untreated sludge in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The use of septic tank residual sludge on grassland and untreated sludge in agriculture is controlled by the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 to 2001. At present, residual sludge from septic tanks may be used on grassland provided that the grassland is not grazed within six months following such use. Untreated sludge may only be used in agriculture if it is previously injected or otherwise worked into land.

The FSAI report recommends that the use of untreated sludge in agriculture and the application of residual sludge from septic tanks on grassland should cease. The quantities of these materials used in agriculture are small and there are strict controls in place, particularly under the 1998 Regulations. However, any revisions of the Sewage Sludge Regulations considered necessary as a result of the recommendations in the FSAI report are a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.