To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail how his Department plans to ensure that slurry spreading regulations remain appropriate, in light of changing weather and climate patterns.

The slurry spreading regulations are contained within the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) Regulations which contain a range of measures on the storage, spreading and management of livestock manures and chemical fertilisers. The NAP Regulations are reviewed on a four yearly basis to ensure they remain effective and are amended where necessary.

The fourth NAP review is currently underway and has assessed the slurry spreading components of the regulations to ensure they remain appropriate. Several revisions have been proposed including a reduced maximum application rate in October and February and increased use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE).

A slurry spreading information system is also being considered. This would help support implementation of the requirement in the current regulations which prohibits slurry spreading when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.