Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Absolutely. I am glad the Minister did the same eye-balling. The officials were telephoning me every day to send a letter to Brussels but I refused to do so. I said the only letter I would send back would be one much more negative than their letter. They took their chances with the Minister, who would be more moderate than me on these issues in terms of standing our ground. I was told at that time that it would not be possible to cut turf last year, when it was. It was wrong advice, I did not believe it, and I am glad the Minister succeeded on following through on what I had been doing in terms of not stopping people from cutting turf last year. That was a right decision for the Minister to make and on which I commend him. Progress has been made.

Will the Minister clarify whether the Peatlands Council will remain in place or was it a four day event?

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