Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the composition of imported fertilisers have been scientifically tested; the frequency with which this testing is carried out; and the last time such testing was carried out. [10038/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland does not have a fertiliser manufacturing industry and, therefore, all inorganic fertilisers used are imported. A risk based annual programme of sampling is prepared which sets out the number of samples of various types of fertiliser that are to be taken at various fertiliser blending facilities and ports. These samples are taken by Authorised Officers of my Department and are analysed by the State Laboratory, in accordance with the appropriate accredited laboratory methods. In 2012, 111 samples of such fertilisers were taken and in excess of 300 analyses for nutrient composition were undertaken. Sampling and testing of fertilisers primarily takes place in Spring and Winter (to coincide with imports and blending) and is ongoing at present.