Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is animal welfare considerations that we are talking about at this stage. Every year, from the start of the year onwards, there is a time to spread slurry and, as much as possible, to use it between grazing intervals as well.

Certainly, nobody should have full tanks. Especially in the context of the year that is in it, nobody should have full tanks at this point. If they do, they need to seriously examine what happened and how they got to this stage, because there have been opportunities for that not to be the case.

This is not the time of year to be spreading slurry. It is not the time of year when one gets value of it whereby it can be used to grow grass. From this point of the year on, there is a very high risk of slurry that has been spread impacting on water quality.

We all agree on the absolute importance of acting responsibly and proportionately and of making sure that we enhance water quality in order that we will keep our derogation, which is higher than what is available in other countries because of the fact that, over the course of the year, we can grow more grass and use more nutrients. That is why we feel we should have a higher allowance, but that is all dependent on us acting sensibly in a way that ensures water quality is protected. That is the reason, given the circumstances, why there will be no extension this year.

See this speech in context