Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I read that legalistic answer so that it would be on the record for the Deputy, as he has asked for it several times. SACs have been in place since 1997. Raised bogs in such areas are protected. Ireland got a ten-year derogation from ending turf cutting on those raised bogs. Since 2007, we have been giving assurances to the European Commission that we will be consistent with the directives and stop cutting turf in SACs with sensitive raised bogs. The previous Government agreed to this. The European Commission has gone to court and won the case to enforce this.

If people are deliberately breaking the law, then there will be consequences from a cross-compliance point of view. That is how the system works. Deputy Flanagan is a talented communicator in this House. I encourage him to find workable solutions for the difficult situation of turf cutting in SACs that will be within the law. It might involve compensation or relocation of turbary rights. Instead of protest and inciting anger in people, I appeal to Deputy Flanagan to talk to the Minister who is proactive in this area to find an acceptable solution in what is a heated and difficult discussion.

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