Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing Deputy Penrose and me to raise this important issue. As someone brought up in the city, the Minister of State will not fully appreciate the huge impact of taking away turbary rights from people in rural areas. Many people in rural areas have had turf-cutting rights on bogs for generations and they guard this right very jealously. Not only does it provide them with a source of fuel over the winter months, but it is also a great form of therapy. Many people enjoy their long evenings spent in the bog. I was brought up in a country area and spent many evenings in the bog. While I did not appreciate it at the time——

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