I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 402 together.
In September 2012 I announced extensions to the periods for the application of chemical fertiliser and organic manures produced on farms, in direct response to the challenges farmers were facing as a result of the very difficult weather conditions this summer. I moved quickly to give certainty to farmers in advance of the deadlines.
However, set closed periods for the spreading of fertilisers, including slurry, are a requirement of the Nitrates Directive and mandatory in every member state. The purpose of closed periods is to protect ground and surface water bodies, including drinking water sources, by prohibiting the application of fertilisers when such application poses an unacceptable risk to water courses.
The closed periods in Ireland were decided following an extensive consultation and were discussed with farming bodies and the European Commission at the time.
Good agricultural practice involves the application of fertilisers as early as practicable in the growing season in order to maximise the uptake of nutrients by crops and to minimise pollution risks to water. The application of fertilisers in the months of November and December is not considered good farming practice and this has been the case long before the nitrates regulations came into force in Ireland.