Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I depend on them to obey the rules and regulations. The way the system has been set up for the past number of years has meant that they could not burn in March. However, they could not burn during February because the areas were drowned in water. There has been a lot of rain this year but we hope the weather will improve next year.

In terms of uncontrolled burning, it was not all done by the farmers who owned the land. It came from outside and for different reasons. Uncontrolled burning took place in March because it was illegal to burn after the month of February. When places are overgrown they become useless. In addition, one cannot burn anything in May and June so one must wait another year. That is what has happened for the past eight to ten years. When such places grow out of control then fires happen, which are uncontrolled. We want a control system where farmers can burn in March. Please give them the extra time.

Deputy Ryan has made a great case for a soft border in the Dáil but at the same time he wants us to be different in the South. Farmers can burn above the ditch in the North of Ireland until 31 March and, in some hilly areas, as late as 15 April. Why make a different case for farmers in the South? I am a farmer and so are the men seated in the Visitors Gallery. Many people are watching what we are doing here today at this meeting. It is only fair and right that we extend the burning season for a month, which is the least that we should do for the farmers whom we represent. I ask members to support that part of the Bill. I also ask that people are allowed to cut roadside hedges all year around. We want burning to be legal in the month of March. Farmers are not criminals and they do not want to be. Farmers are the best custodians of the land. They know how to mind their land because it has been handed down to them or a lot of money has been paid for it so they want to do the best they can with it.