Dáil Éireann - Volume 618 - 03 May, 2006

Written Answers. - EU Directives.

Mr. Cregan Mr. Cregan

Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on progress regarding the latest scientific advice received by his Department on the implementation of the Nitrates Directive. [16309/06]

Mr. Roche Mr. Roche

  Mr. Roche:I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 948, 949, 951, 952, 973 and 980 of 25 April 2006. Officials from my Department, the Department of Agriculture and Food and Teagasc met on 20 April 2006 to clarify and elaborate aspects of the advice submitted by Teagasc to the Minister for Agriculture and Food with recommendations for amendment of the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2005. My Department has also consulted on relevant issues with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Discussions between both Departments and Teagasc are continuing together with consideration of all aspects of the scientific advice available to my Department. It will also be necessary to have further discussions with the European Commission in order that a formal submission to the Commission can be finalised this month.

Dáil Éireann 618 Written Answers. EU Directives.

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