Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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382. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans in respect of the nitrates derogation review; his engagements with EU representatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35968/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead authority for the Nitrates Regulations (SI 605 2017). The purpose of these Regulations is to give effect to Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme for the protection of waters against pollution caused by agricultural sources. The set of measures in these regulations provides a basic level of protection against possible adverse impacts to waters arising from the agricultural sources.

Ireland's current Nitrates Action Programme concludes in 2021 and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in collaboration with my Department, will shortly commence the process of reviewing the Nitrates regulations and derogation. This review will be subject to two-stage consultation with all stakeholders.

Ireland recently notified members of the 'EU Nitrates Committee' of its intention to commence the formal process of reviewing its Nitrates action programme, which includes the Nitrates Derogation. Ireland will shortly discuss with the Commission the formal process involved which will include both technical and scientific presentations.