Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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389. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who breached the nitrates regulations in 2015 and 2016; the total number of fines incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9457/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In 2015, 1,968 herd owners incurred penalties for breaching the nitrates limits. The numbers for 2016 are currently being processed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Proactive measures farmers can take to avoid incurring these penalties include:

- Applying for a derogation;

- Renting additional land;

- Reducing livestock numbers;

- Exporting slurry/farmyard manure

My Department has put significant effort into trying to reduce the number of these penalties, including:

- Text messaging of farmers during the year with the up-to date position vis a vis the limits,

- Interim statement on N available on-line during the year.

- Telephone helpline for advisors and farmers,

- Work ongoing with a behavioural economist ( ESRI)