Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a report into the problems on a north Kilkenny farm (details supplied) has been peer reviewed by independent scientists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46807/09]

Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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Question 366: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to have the report into the problems on a north Kilkenny farm (details supplied) peer reviewed by independent scientists in advance of publication of the report. [46808/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.

A peer review has recently been completed on the report on the farm in question. A number of independent expert opinions have been used in compiling the report, which was produced under the Interagency Protocol for the investigation of potential environmental issues. Under this protocol other state agencies are kept advised, consulted and asked for peer opinions before a report such as this is finalised. In the case of this investigation the appropriate agencies were the EPA, Teagasc, the HSE and Kilkenny County Council. I expect that the Report will be released shortly.