John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the delegation. Mr. Jason Fitzgerald has visited my constituency clinic on a few occasions. I compliment him on his work on behalf of the organisation in trying to keep the issue burning and hopefully eventually get some level of satisfaction. When we spoke last, he outlined that if the commitments given in 2007 had been upheld and adhered to, he probably would not have been sitting here. Is that still the case? Why was it not possible to hold successive Governments to account to achieve what was offered?

We sit in these rooms offering support to the witnesses but at the end of the day, the only way to support them is by delivering on what was originally offered - what they signed up to in good faith, but has not been delivered. The focus of the campaign continues to be to deliver what was originally offered. How far will the €25 million announced in December go? What needs to be achieved to give those farmers their justice?

My second question is on afforestation. My understanding was that what was originally offered on afforestation would have been sufficient for most of the landowners affected but when they try to apply for afforestation, they are refused. Why is that? What can we, as Oireachtas Members, do to get over that obstacle? They signed up for something on the basis that if they went for afforestation they would get it but they cannot. Why is that? I spoke to some of the Members from Kerry in the audiovisual room.

They pointed out that solar is being ruled out or rather that there is no interest in solar from the companies. Why is that and what can we do to resolve the issue? Wind turbines are controversial, but not in every area. Our county development plan in Kerry designates preferred zones in which the turbines generally do not bother too many people. They are a valuable source of income. It was indicated in the presentation, however, that it is not happening for landowners but rather it is only the Coilltes of this world that seem to get wind turbines over the line. Is there something we can do to assist in that regard? The witnesses have come here three or four times to make the same argument. It would be nice if they could go away with something. As a Member of the Oireachtas, I would like to be in a position to get some result other than support and a pat on the back, which is not much use to people looking for hope. I would be interested in the witnesses' comments on those issues as I would like to work towards achieving some result for them.