Minister not overruled by Taoiseach on EU nitrates issue, colleague insists

Some farmers have claimed the reduction in the nitrate limit will force them to reduce herd sizes (Alamy/PA)

The Taoiseach did not overrule the Agriculture Minister on the EU nitrates derogation issue, a Government colleague has insisted.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue last week made clear that Brussels would not reverse its decision to reduce the volume of nitrogen produced per hectare in Ireland.