Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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First of all, I thank the witnesses for coming in. I have a few questions. In my opinion, there is a cult in media that does not understand what we are talking about. It was interesting to hear Mr. Neenan. I would know a good bit about bogs and I learned from him there. Did Growing Media Ireland respond to thejournal.ie? I saw this investigative journalist telling us about everything that was exported. Did Growing Media Ireland write back to educate them on the different parts that make up this and that it is not all peat?

I spoke to Mr. O'Rourke earlier on. It needs to be explained to the ordinary Joe Soap who does not understand the requirements of horticulture peat, bedding peat or peat for mushrooms, and the different types of peat needed. There is black, there is white and there is brown. Does Mr. O'Rourke understand me? It is important the witnesses touch on that briefly.

Turning to Mr. Mahon, I have watched the newspapers closely. In fairness, Mr. Neenan spoke about where the section 5 exemptions were granted. We were trying to resolve an issue on designated bogs and trying to relocate people. Unfortunately, in Kildare, we had a bog that was objected to by the same people who are talking about us cutting within some of these designated bogs, and An Bord Pleanála refused it.

I would not agree with some speakers because I was at this at the beginning. At the time, it was the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Its job was about preserving bogs. It was not involved in the planning process. At the time, I remember Mr. Brian Lucas was put in a job in that Department. No one else would take it. It was a hot potato. That is being straight about it. The spade needs to be called on this. It is Ryan's section that should have it done. Agriculture has damn all to do with bogs, to be honest about it. It is well known that one night I asked a Topical Issue matter where there was a junior Minister responding, the issue of bogs came up, and it was said behind his back that it would not happen. I am calling it here that the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is blocking this at present. There is no point in us messing about or talking nonsense. In the price of Government, bogs are one of the sacrifices at present unless people stand up now and are counted on this. They could decide to look after what the witnesses require. The percentage needed is small.

I read in the newspapers that Klasmann had got through the first and second sections and I thought this is looking good. Is it stalled at present? Each one of the witnesses can deal with it.