Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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260. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding transitional agreements for pig and poultry farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38245/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2014 are the responsibility of the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.  The current arrangement negotiated with the Commission in Ireland’s action programme for Nitrates whereby the intensive sectors (Pig, Poultry and Mushroom composts) are allowed to apply manures in excess of crop requirement (and thereby limiting the amount of land required to spread this material) is due to expire at the end of the year. The arrangement was put in place in 2006 to assist the industry move towards compliance with the nutrient balance requirements of the Directive over a 10 year period.  Any extension of this arrangement would have to be agreed with the Commission as part of Ireland’s negotiations for a derogation of the Directive’s livestock manure nitrogen limit.

In 2017, Ireland will embark on a review of its Nitrates Action Programme with the European Commission, with a view to having in place by 2018 an agreed Programme that will run from 2018 to 2021.