Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

They were never exempted. We were exempted with regard to turf because the screening was done. Under the legislation all of those with fewer than 30 ha who sought an exemption were told to go to planning. That is the end of story. There are no ifs or buts about it. The Minister of State should not try to cover it up. They are the facts of what is on the table. The same tractors, peat and machinery have to be used in Estonia as in Ireland. They will put out the emissions.