Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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355. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change regulations on spreading chicken slurry here; if the same chicken slurry can be imported under current guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40843/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The application of organic fertiliser to land is regulated by SI 605 2017 (The good agricultural practice for the protection of water regulations) which is the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. My Department has issued a code of good practice for poultry farmers which sets out legal obligations and good practice in relation to the management of poultry litter.

The Nitrates Regulations will be reviewed in 2021 and the nutrient content of all livestock manures will be considered as part of that review.

Poultry litter is a category 2 animal by-product and, therefore, persons intending to land-spread poultry litter (end-users) are obliged to comply with the requirements of the European Animal By-Products Regulations (EC Regulation No 1069/2009 and Commission Regulation 142/2011), S.I. 187 of 2014 and the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations when it comes to the use of poultry litter as an organic fertiliser.

Once the product meets the standards and requirements of the Regulations and the conditions set by the Minister, the import and export between EU Member States is allowable. Until Brexit has been finalised, it will be unclear as to the issues that may arise in relation to importation from Northern Ireland.