Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge the work done by the Minister since taking office in establishing the Peatlands Council and commissioning the Quirke report. I do not disagree with any of these developments. In 1997 the habitats directive was signed by the last rainbow coalition Government. This issue has been ongoing since. There was a ten-year derogation period and it is a pity the former Minister, John Gormley, did not act more decisively on the issue.

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