Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is in constant and regular contact with other state agencies involved in on-farm inspections in particular the Local Authorities, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency. Officials hold regular meetings, webinars and direct contact with other state agencies for example in relation to cross reporting breaches found on farm with respect to the Conditionality requirements.

In addition, and in relation to the nitrates regulations, my Department currently sits on an interagency working group in relation to on-farm inspections and water quality. Furthermore, in the coming months, my Department will be assisting with the provision of training to local authority staff, as has been provided in the past, to ensure a consistent approach in carrying out on-farm inspections. My Department has data sharing agreements in place with many State agencies involved in farm inspections in order to minimise duplication and to best target resources.

My Department will continue to seek ways to improve its interactions and co-operation with other State agencies involved in farm inspections.