Extension of Ireland's derogation 'not a free pass' for farmers, says Michael McGrath

Michael McGrath (pictured) also said those who write off Taoiseach Micheál Martin 'do so at their peril'.

An extension to Ireland's derogation under the EU's Nitrates Directive is "not a free pass" for farmers, Ireland's European Commissioner has said.

Michael McGrath indicated that the derogation, much sought by farmers, would be extended for another three years, though formal approval has not yet been agreed. Fears had been raised that the derogation would be ended due to the EU's Habitats Directive, but Mr McGrath said on Thursday that an extension would come.

Under the derogation, Irish farmers are allowed to spread more nitrates, including slurry, on their land than other EU farmers. Mr McGrath said that while Ireland had not traded anything for the decision, it was contingent on improving water standards.

"This is a serious and impactful decision, and we are very focused on the protection of water quality. 

But it is because of the engagement and the track record in recent times of the Irish government and the Irish authorities and the day-to-day work with farmers who have demonstrated a clear commitment to playing their part in improving water quality, that the commission believes it is appropriate to allow further time. 

"Of course, it is not a free pass."

On political matters, Mr McGrath said those who write off Taoiseach Micheál Martin "do so at their peril". Mr McGrath, speaking following his appearance at the Oireachtas European Affairs Committee, said Mr Martin, his former constituency colleague, is the man to lead Ireland's presidency of the EU from next July.

Mr McGrath is no longer a member of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, having left for the role of European Commissioner on the Rule of Law, but says that he has kept up with the party's inner turmoil in the wake of Jim Gavin's disastrous and aborted presidential candidacy.

"I think anybody who underestimates Micheál Martin will do so at their peril. I have seen up close his resilience in practice on many occasions.

"For Ireland, the upcoming EU presidency is an excellent opportunity to showcase the country, its capability, the leadership that it can provide in public policy making, and it is an opportunity to set the agenda at an EU level. I think the experience that Micheál has over a number of decades at a senior level in politics will be of great benefit to the Irish presidency.

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"Given the experience he has, and also the network of contacts in the EU, across the member states and in the institutions, he is the best person in Fianna Fáil for the role. That experience is valuable, and I think it will be of very significant benefit next year."

Asked if he believed that issues within Fianna Fáil were settled ahead of the publication of a review of the disastrous presidential campaign, Mr McGrath said he "understands that the review is nearing completion and will be brought to the parliamentary party in the first instance as soon as it is completed".

"It's always a good idea to look back when something goes wrong and try to understand the full circumstances and the context and to learn lessons for the future."