Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the work he has done. He has been very generous with his time and has called to visit most of the various turf cutters around the country. With regard to a derogation, when Deputies Heydon and Connaughton and Conor Skehan, who has done Trojan work on this issue, went to Brussels, they informed officials there was a derogation in place from the last Government. However, while the last Government called it a derogation for ten years, Commissioner Potocnik was unaware of it. Will the Minister clarify whether a derogation was in place, whether it was an Irish solution to an Irish problem or whether it was sanctioned by Europe?

Much work has been done and I am delighted that many turf cutters have been paid. In my county, where the problem is serious, almost 800 turf cutters, from a population of 50,000, have been paid and will receive payments of €1,500 into their accounts for the next 15 years. This is tax free, index linked and they still own their bogs. Many of these turf cutters were considering relocation, but some have been given 15 tonnes of turf. We have gone a long way toward solving the problem. However, there are areas in other parts of my constituency, in County Leitrim, where they have NHAs rather than SACs. We need more consultation on the ground with regard to designating NHAs so that we can solve the issues within our grasp.

Another serious issue of which I am constantly made aware is the issue of commercial contractors. These feel very left out of what is happening. I realise times are difficult, but perhaps it is time to consider some formula for compensation to resolve their issues.

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