Mr Pádraic Fogarty:

I wish to make one point that addresses many of the issues that have come up. Ireland's approach to conservation has been a disaster. It certainly has not benefited nature conservation and the Deputy can attest that it has not benefited people living in the areas in question either. The examples we have where nature conservation works are where local people and communities work with scientists and State agencies. When they all come together, we have success. However, it requires considerable work, political leadership and money. None of these things has ever been granted to nature conservation because it is not seen as a political priority. That is the root cause of all of the issues. We need proper leadership and proper funding of agencies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service that can come up with management plans and engage in consultation with the people who live in the areas in question. That is what should happen in the future.