Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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456. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding farmers in slurry derogation areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48841/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Nitrates Derogation applicants (as defined under Statutory Instruments 605 of 2017, 65 of 2018, 40 of 2020) are no longer eligible to apply and receive approval for Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment.

Statutory Instrument 40 of 2020 published February 2020 details how the use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading equipment is a statutory requirement for nitrates derogation farmers and is to be used for any application of slurry.

In accordance with the provisions of EU Regulation 1305/2013, LESS approvals cannot issue to such farms after 15th April 2021 as it is not permitted to provide grant aid in respect of a mandatory activity. This change was communicated to farmers a year in advance of this date to allow for any late applications in advance of the 15th April deadline.