Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)

As a result of our high regard for land and property in this country, initiatives which interfere with the rights of landowners will be always contentious. In many respects, this is a result of our history and the fact that for many years Irish people were subdued by and lived under a foreign regime. Land has been always seen as being of high value. In many instances people were banished from the land and were fortunate thereafter to obtain unpredictable rights of tenancy in respect of it. Much of this is due to that which we inherited from the past, when people were obliged to try to make their livelihoods in very tough conditions.

People have an attachment to land, be it arable, mountain or bog. Land is generally a priority for them. This is even more the case at present as a result of the rising cost of imported fuels and the long tradition of bog owners having discretion to cut and harvest turf. The latter is a precious resource and it will be even more valuable in the future. The owners of bogs have been excellent custodians of their properties over the years. Fortunately, these individuals have ensured their properties are properly drained and that there is no unnecessary damage to habitats. Sensible and sustainable annual maintenance has ensured that the bogs to which I refer are environmentally-friendly in the context of wildlife, fauna, etc.

I commend all the stakeholders involved on trying to resolve this divisive issue in a practical manner. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, the turf cutters, the contractors association and the bog owners have been extremely proactive over a long period and have arrived at a satisfactory and agreeable resolution. The Minister, Deputy Deenihan, has for many years promoted and enhanced the heritage of his native county, Kerry, and other places throughout the country. On many occasions, he has - in both a political and voluntary capacity - done a great deal to assist various organisations and to promote different projects in his native county. The Minister is a pragmatist and he takes a good, practical approach to all issues. He understands the unique importance of striking a fair balance with regard to accommodating the rights of members of the general public in the context of carrying on with existing traditions and making provision for their own domestic fuel needs. I welcome the sizeable increase in compensation and the once-off financial incentive. The Minister has taken an extremely positive approach in the context of negotiating these measures at Cabinet level.

Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and the other members of his delegation informed me that they received an extremely favourable reception when they visited the EU Commission, which was a fitting reward for all their efforts. The Deputy and his counterparts put forward very logical, practical and workable proposals. As a result, some 98% of bogs will be conserved. In addition, plot holders will be facilitated. Particular sections of bogs will be set aside and those parts that are not cut will remain intact under the mechanism of compensatory habitat exchange. I understand this proposal is acceptable to those in Europe and if it provides a solution, we should pursue it. It may take some time but if we can get an assurance that this will eventually be acceptable, we should come to a firm agreement.

Both the turf cutters and the preserved bog can live side by side in co-existence. I am hopeful that with the minority of bogs where there is no suitable alternative location with the same quality of turbary rights adjacent to existing bogs, under the conservation measure we can seek a resolution to these matters. We should certainly put the matter to bed tonight in this House and we will carry it to the European Commission.

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