Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

As the Deputy knows, an elaborate process was carried out last week in which representatives for each bog put their case to the judge and a technical group tried to obtain a resolution. I do not think this process has ever been carried out before. I recognise that people entered this process with total intent to obtain a resolution, and they were very honest, open and frank about the whole thing. There was a real sense that people engaged because they wanted to achieve a solution.

With regard to individual turf cutters, in the small number of bogs where it may be difficult to resolve this issue, all considerations will have to be taken into account, including those of individuals. Our policy from the beginning was to listen to everybody and I know that is what Mr. Skehan did. Officials from my Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have spent the winter out there speaking and listening to people and trying to obtain solutions. I hope this effort will now pay off and we will get the desired results, for all our sakes.

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