Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to revise the nitrates regulations; his plans to review the inspection regime of the local authorities and of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46797/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Primary responsibility for the implementation of the Nitrates Regulations has rested with the local authorities since 2005. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food also checks for compliance with the Regulations during the cross-compliance inspections carried out as part of the Single Farm Payment scheme. Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and local authority representatives to rationalise the existing arrangements and to put in place a robust regime that benefits both the State and the farmer. The aim is that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will commence carrying out inspections for the purposes of the Nitrates Regulations early in 2010. In the meantime the existing arrangements continue to apply. In accordance with the Regulations, and following consultation with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and with other interested parties, a new Nitrates Action Programme will be prepared and published by 30 June 2010. Any adjustment to the current Action Programme will require the agreement of the European Commission.