Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to remove regulatory burdens associated with the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10025/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations ('the Nitrates Regulations') implement the Nitrates Directive in Ireland and were first introduced in 2005 to protect waters from pollution from agricultural sources. Primary responsibility for the implementation of the Regulations has rested with the local authorities since 2005.

The most recent revisions to the Regulations concern provisions in relation to farmyard management and enforcement, and give legal effect to a derogation under the Nitrates Directive granted to Ireland by the European Commission. The revised Regulations were made in March 2009 following a consultation process conducted by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Discussions are currently taking place between both Departments to ensure that the necessary inspection and related functions under the Regulations are carried out in the most efficient and effective manner.