Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy's point but my concern is that any Minister would have power to de-designate an NHA without having carried out the preparatory scientific analysis. Much scientific evidence allowed us to make the decision. We did not just make a decision, much work was put into it and the process has been going on since 2014. I would be concerned that it would be a potentially unlimited ministerial power without having first consulted with stakeholders, of which there are a number, for example, domestic turf cutters, the local communities and the environmental pillar. The EU habitats requirements regard the NHA network as part of the overall picture in terms of our bogs. I am happy to discuss the issue further with him but I question the wisdom of giving any Minister such powers. It would not send out a good signal in terms of how we protect bogs and heritage areas.