MEP for the Midlands North West, Maria Walsh has said Ireland needs "time and fairness" when it comes to a decision on retaining the nitrates derogation.

Ireland’s nitrates derogation allows farmers to farm at higher stocking rates, above 170kg livestock manure nitrogen/ha up to 220kg nitrogen/ha, subject to strict rules to protect the environment.

Ireland is the only member state in the EU which currently still avails of such a derogation.