Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) will be exempted from nitrates regulations due to the size of their holding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9605/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 378 of 2006) are a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance. The objective of the Regulations is to protect water quality, and the various provisions are designed to control the management of fertilisers, including the timing, method of application and maximum amounts that may be applied, in order to prevent nutrient losses to water.

The Regulations apply to all farm holdings regardless of their size. My Department has been in touch with farmers who appear to have exceeded the limits in the Regulations, advising them of the position and giving them an opportunity to reply. Each case will be considered on its merits. Farmers should contact their advisers or my Department if they have questions regarding the number of stock allowed on their holdings.