Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Feighan raised the issue when the Ceann Comhairle was not present. In any case, sin scéal eile and I will not dwell on it. Turf cutting was a social activity and people had turbary rights when we still had the old landlord system. Fears were stoked up about this issue. While the bogs within my old constituency were not affected, some within the new boundaries of my constituency were affected. The issue must be addressed through consultation and common sense. The same applies in the case of this legislation. Stakeholders must be consulted. One should not publish a Bill and deal with the consequences afterwards.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his forbearance. I ask the Minister of State to address the points I raise. The Government should insist that utility companies are tackled first. What is the point of the Commission for Energy Regulation if every increase sought by the ESB and Bord Gáis is approved? There is still a large amount of fat to be cut in this area and that should be done before cuts are made to the front line. I am not preaching to the converted when I say that all Deputies have been guilty of trying to get more for our constituents, rather than saying "No". The Ceann Comhairle will probably shocked to learn that I support a Government Bill.

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