Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the proposed changes to the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40576/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the agreement that has been reached with the EU Commission on the content of Ireland's 2nd National Action Programme (NAP) under the Nitrates Directive. This new programme will run to the end of 2013. The overall package will, in this economically challenging climate, assist Ireland's agri-food sector meet its targets under the Food Harvest 2020 strategy on the basis of sustainable farming practices.

A comprehensive public consultation process on the proposed NAP revisions commenced in June this year; 45 submissions were received including from the main farming organizations and environmental non-governmental organizations. I set up, jointly with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, an Expert Advisory Group to assist both Departments in taking forward the review process and in determining a common position on the measures which should be included in the 2nd NAP. Following completion of the Expert Group's Report, there have been a number of detailed discussions with the EU Commission on the proposed content of the new programme.

I am pleased that the EU Commission has accepted Ireland's argument that there should be a limited extension of the current transitional arrangements on phosphorous granted to the pig, poultry and mushroom sectors under the first action programme. This concession will continue but will be phased out on a stepped basis between January 2013 and January 2017. I am also pleased with the progress made on fertiliser application limits and winter ploughing and green cover. In the light of the Expert Review Group Report and subsequent discussions with the Commission, the current regime of closed periods for land-spreading is not being changed. It was clear from the discussions that the EU Commission views the current arrangements in this country as one of the most favourable of all member states.

The conclusion of an agreement with the EU Commission on this package of measures clears the way for a formal vote by the EU Nitrates Committee on Ireland's request for a renewal of its derogation under the Nitrates Directive. This derogation allows more intensive farmers to operate at higher stocking levels subject to adherence to stricter rules The EU Commission has indicated that on the basis of the new National Action Programme now agreed, it can support Ireland's request for a renewal of the derogation. The proposed changes in the 2nd Action Programme must go through a screening process in line with the requirements of the EU Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive. This screening process has been initiated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Regulations to give effect to the Programme will be finalised shortly.