Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1121. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions taken to date, and proposals advanced, regarding the need to retain the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1970/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Last August I published “Water and Agriculture - a collaborative approach”. It outlines a summary of the collaborative and unprecedented approach being taken at present to improve Irish water quality from an agricultural perspective.

As set out in that document, at the EU Nitrates Committee in December, in line with the process set by the European Commission, Ireland advised the meeting that in accordance with Paragraph 2(b) within Annex 3 of the Nitrates Directive, Ireland wished to apply for permission to continue applying in excess of 170kg of livestock manure Nitrogen per ha from 2026, subject to a set of conditions that will ensure that application is scientifically justified and will contribute to achievement of the Nitrates Directive’s objectives of reducing and preventing water pollution caused by agricultural nutrients.

Over the coming months the Government will work with stakeholders, including through the Agriculture Water Quality Working Group, to develop Ireland's 6th Nitrates Action Programme which is due to come into operation in January 2026 covering the period 2026-2029. The Government will also work with the European Commission to ensure that Nitrates Action Programme provides the assurances it needs to allow it put an Implementing Decision proposing the higher nutrient application limit and the associated conditions to a vote of the EU Member States.