Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

-----without going about cutting turf as they have always done. I certainly take no comfort from the Minister increasing compensation because the real traditional turf cutters do not want compensation; they want to cut turf. In many instances, it has been stated that the only people who wanted compensation were those who did not exercise their rights to cut turf in the past. Turf cutters are not for sale and will not sell out on their heritage.

It is a sad day for Ireland when we must debate this motion at all as the people who came before us would turn in their graves at the idea of European law being passed into Irish law in order to stop people cutting turf anywhere. Nevertheless I thank the people who put so much work into trying to reach a solution, including Bord na Móna, the Peatlands Council, the TCCA, officials in the Department, the Minister, and most important, the people who work in the bogs. I thank Deputy Flanagan for his work. May Paddy Concannon rest in peace. We are continuing the fight and we will not lie down now or ever. Tonight is not the end, it is only the beginning.

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