Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to establish a nitrates working group with Teagasc to identify solutions for the pig and poultry sectors once the present arrangement changes in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45207/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The agreement reached with the European Commission in September on Ireland's Second National Action programme under the Nitrates Directive means that there is no change in the requirement for the pig and poultry sectors until January 2013 and thereafter the changes are on a stepped basis up to 2017. During the consultation process that preceded the second National Action Programme, I had several meetings with representatives from the pig & poultry sectors and I am well aware of the difficulties they face in coming to terms with the changing phosphorous requirements. The time frame agreed recognises these difficulties and provides the industry, my Department and Teagasc with an opportunity to develop solutions over the coming years.

My Department has already invested over €1.7 million in research projects under Research Stimulus Fund looking to manure management and the potential for energy creation from pig and poultry manure. I would also draw attention to a number of other changes in the National Action Programme, such as the removal of the step back in nitrogen allowances for tillage crops receiving annual applications of animal manure, which are specifically designed to promote the increased use of animal manure from the Pig and Poultry sector in a sustainable, cost effective manner.