Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

What would the Minister call one of his party's Deputies who got elected for saying he would sign his name in blood to oppose turf cutting bans? If that is not incitement, what is?

It should be clear to the Minister and to the Government that the ten-year derogation never existed. Fine Gael Deputies have said so in the media on many occasions. In fact, they claim there was a nod and wink to Europe but no official derogation. The Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, for which I am public relations officer, is attempting to find a solution. I will be in Cavan tonight meeting with turf cutters to find out what they believe is the best solution for their particular bog. I will be doing the same tomorrow evening in Clare and in Kinnegad on Saturday. At that stage, I will have met pretty much everyone who cuts turf on all of the 55 bogs in question. The Turf Cutters and Contractors Association will present its solution which goes along with what Fine Gael promised before the election.

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