Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I ask the Deputy to allow me put on the record the position of the Government rather than have him misrepresent the position. First, we have made arrangements for those on the 32 raised bogs affected by the decision this year to meet their short-term fuel needs for the course of next winter through the setting up of a fund of €1 million.

Second, we will continue discussions with stakeholders on those bogs to try to find some pragmatic solution that will include alternative turbary rights enabling them to continue to cut turf elsewhere without having the problem of doing so on raised bogs that are the subject of the habitat directives.

Third, those discussions will be engaged in constructively until we find a practical solution to the problems. We will see what further steps the Government must take. Those discussions will continue. In the meantime we want to reassure those who are affected on the 32 raised bogs this year that their fuel needs will be met for the winter, based on the fund of €1 million and that we will continue discussion with them.

I ask the Deputy to keep calm and not try to outdo Ming over on that side.

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