Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy has asked a lot of questions. Any payment will be based on the cost of materials and labour in doing the works that are necessary. We will get competent people to calculate exactly what work is needed.

I heard the interview Mr. Walshe gave on "Morning Ireland" and I obtained the transcript afterwards. I will provide a copy of it to the Deputy. Mr. Walshe was very clear that the payment was related to the work. The interviewer tried to draw him into commenting on the cost, the amount of the payment and the previous proposal put forward by the IFA. He alluded to the fact that there had been a proposal, but he reiterated clearly that his understanding was that the payment was related to the work. That being the case, I cannot put a figure on the work until it is costed.

I cannot stop members of the media writing whatever they want to write. Every Deputy in this House knows that. However, they cannot control what is said when we speak about issues related to the media. I did not issue any statement on this matter at the time of the meeting. I have done a number of interviews and I have reiterated that the basis of discussions was on the cost of doing the work. If there is no cost to maintain a stretch of 300 m because it is self-containing, then there is no cost. However, if a swampy bit of land needs continuous maintenance, such as filling it with gravel, then there is a cost. I do not see why the farmer should lose money to maintain it.

I cannot answer for the spin that is put on things in the media. The interview with Mr. Pádraig Walshe reinforces the point I have made in this House. He was clear and I am clear that this is a payment related to the actual cost of doing the work. I have not put a cost of €15 million on it and, to be honest, I do not have €15 million to spend in the manner suggested. However, it is vital that we have well maintained walkways available nationally and that they are maintained on an ongoing basis. Someone should be there to resolve any problem that arises, be it people leaving litter behind them, breaking styles or whatever. This will be done on a cost basis.

See this speech in context