Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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197. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update in relation to the retention of the Nitrates Derogation as per the Nitrates Derogation Renewal Plan published in August 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36366/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government clearly sets out the Government's commitment to present the best case for continuance of Ireland's current Nitrates Derogation whilst working with farmers to deliver improved water quality.

A Cabinet Committee on water quality chaired by the Taoiseach to coordinate water quality improvements and to work to secure Ireland's Nitrates Derogation at EU level has been established. This is one example demonstrating the Government's significant commitments in this regard.

My Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage attend the EU Nitrates Committee meetings. At the December 2024 Nitrates Committee, my Officials advised that in accordance with the Nitrates Directive, Ireland wished to apply for permission to continue applying in excess of 170kg of livestock manure Nitrogen per hectare from 2026, subject to a set of conditions that will ensure that application is scientifically justified and will continue to contribute to the achievement of the Nitrates Directive’s objectives.

As part of that process at EU level, Ireland's first presentation focused on water quality was made at the EU Nitrates Committee meeting which took place in March. Ireland's second presentation which focused on Irish agriculture, the changes introduced under the current Nitrates Action Programme and the agri-food sector's engagement to improve water quality was made at the EU Nitrates Committee meeting which took place on 13th June.

In addition I have engaged with Commissioner Roswall on the importance of our derogation and the Taoiseach has personally raised the matter with Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.

Over the coming months the Government will continue to engage with the European Commission and other EU Member States to ensure we get the best possible outcome for Ireland post-2025.