Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)

Obviously, I support this motion put forward by Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, which I signed. I also welcome the opportunity to express my solidarity with my rural brothers and sisters. Attempts often are made in the Dáil in particular to create a rural-city divide and opportunities such as this debate demonstrate that one should have solidarity with one's rural brothers and sisters in this regard. In general, this is a national class divide, not a rural-city divide. Opportunities such as this are important to make this point.

The motion represents a reasonable and sensible solution, which meet the needs of conservation of the bogs and the domestic turf cutters. I congratulate the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association for its work in consulting turf cutters, which it carried out in a highly professional manner. It brought into focus the views of people who felt excluded and unrepresented. This approach contrasts sharply with the bureaucratic and cackhanded approach of the Government and the European Union as far back as 1986, when negotiations on the habitats directive commenced. People today, in both urban and rural areas, are very much aware of the need to protect their environment and heritage. I take this opportunity to point out the threats to our environment do not come from ordinary citizens either in Ireland or internationally. In general, they come from multinational corporations and big business. As I stated, people are open to issues regarding their environment and are open to change. However, nothing can raise their hackles like unknown, unelected and insensitive bureaucrats in Brussels or elsewhere taking such top-down decisions without consultation or reference as to how they might affect ordinary people. The Minister has offered to increase compensation but as far as I can ascertain, this is not the issue. This motion, which is based on a detailed survey of domestic turf cutters and contractors and utilises their knowledge, is the way forward. It would conserve 98% of raised bog in special areas of conservation. Moreover, turf will only be cut in small group areas, which will limit any damage to a negligible level. Furthermore, this will apply only in a small number of bogs and in the vast majority of bogs, people will be able to relocate to a nearby bog under these proposals. It is a reasonable and sensible approach that should be adopted by the Government. I request all Members to support the motion tabled by Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan. Moreover, the Government should withdraw its amendment and support the original motion in full.

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