Varadkar intervenes in nitrates dispute

Taoiseach tells farmers he will ask the EU Commissioner to meet with the Agriculture Minister and a delegation from the sector

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told farmers he will write to EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkeviciu seeking to set up the meeting about nitrates derogation. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has intervened in a dispute between farmers and the Government over the recent announcement by the European Commission to cut Ireland’s nitrates derogation.

Mr Varadkar informed farmers that he will write to EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkeviciu, inviting him to Ireland to meet with him and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue as well as a delegation from the sector, or for the Commissioner to meet with sector representatives in Brussels.