Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

300. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the EU Commission and at the Agriculture Council in relation to the retention of the Nitrates Derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54531/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, at the Nitrates Committee meeting in December 2024, my officials advised that in accordance with the Nitrates Directive, Ireland wished to apply for permission to continue applying in excess of 170 kg 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.

Since then Ireland has made a number of presentations to the EU Nitrates Committee, the most recent of which was on the 19th of September. Bilateral engagement with the Commission at official level has been ongoing throughout 2025.

I also recently welcomed senior officials from the European Commission Services to Ireland for a discussion regarding the importance of Ireland's Nitrates Derogation. In addition to providing an opportunity for an engagement with agrifood stakeholders, this visit also enabled the officials to witness first-hand on-farm our outdoor grass-based system which is unique in a European context.

On the 23rd of September, I met Commissioner Roswall in Brussels regarding Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation. At that meeting Commissioner Roswall confirmed her intention to visit Ireland in the coming weeks in response to my invitation. I look forward to that visit which will provide a further opportunity to demonstrate our unique grass-based system and to highlight the work taking place across Ireland's agrifood sector to reduce its impact on water quality.

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.