30 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress regarding the implementation of the 1992 nitrates directive; if it is intended to designate the entire country as a nitrate vulnerable zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6965/02]

40 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if or when new regulations will be put in place to regulate the use of fertiliser and slurry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5008/02]

51 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will publish the submissions made to his Department by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and by Teagasc in connection with the proposals to classify the whole country as a nitrate vulnerable zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6349/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 40 and 51 together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 263 on 5 February 2002. I have recently issued an information paper on good agricultural practice and protection of the environment which was prepared in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and sets out the issues involved in, and the need for strengthened support for, the application of established good housekeeping rules in farming. Policy in this area is developed in consultation with the above mentioned Department and Teagasc, among others, and is the subject of ongoing and regular contacts. The paper clarifies issues raised in recent and current discussions with the main farming organisations and other interests.

A copy of the paper is available in the Oireachtas Library. I have no proposals for separate publication of the background records involved.