3. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Taoiseach for an update on the establishment of a Cabinet committee on water quality to co-ordinate water quality improvements across all sectors; and when it will hold its first meeting. [4437/25]

Sentiment score: 0.11

The nitrates derogation is vital to the viability of family farms into the future and to ensuring their productivity in my constituency of Galway East. The programme for Government clearly commits to retaining the nitrates derogation. That said, we have rising nitrates levels, legacy issues with old housing estates and boil water notices are becoming more common. If we are to put our best foot forward to the EU to ask for an extension of our derogation, how can the new committee on water quality play its part and how can it be ensured the committee effectively represents the needs of farmers in rural Ireland?

Sentiment score: 0.45