Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to come back in if only to say that the Minister should note I do not have a new-found interest in the bogs. This is the third or fourth time I have raised it on Question Time. I come from a rural background and I know the issues full well. I do not need to be lectured on the benefits of the bogs for rural Ireland. I acknowledge the work the Minister has done thus far in respect of this issue but I do not believe he has gone far enough. As the Minister has stated already, this issue dates back to 1997 when the Fine Gael party was last in Government and the habitats directive was signed into law.

If the EU is supportive of a national plan, I cannot understand why those responsible will not allow time for the plan to be worked out between the Peatlands Council, the Government and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and also allow time to get the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association back on board again. If those in the EU are supportive, this would not be an excessive request to make of them. I acknowledge there is a mix of people. Some are keen and content to cease cutting turf and are happy to take their compensation. How long must they wait for it? Many have been waiting a long time for their compensation. Many others are looking to relocate. What has the Government done to identify plots under its control and to relocate ordinary decent domestic turf cutters who want nothing more than to harvest their turf and provide fuel for their families?

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