Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is aware that three scientific reports have been issued for consultation. We have received a very encouraging response, with over 1,000 people responding. There are the reviews of NHAs and SACs. Having gathered the responses and with the co-operation of the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, TCCA, - I am glad that there was a recent meeting between the TCCA and my departmental officials - if there is total agreement, we can return to the European Union with a proposal that would include the changes to the NHAs. Although the NHAs are governed by Irish law, they are part of the overall package because some of them will be compensating for the loss of active raised bogs in the SACs for the past ten years. We can return to the European Union with a new package if this consultation takes place and there is agreement. This is still open for movement. There is still an opportunity for the Government, on behalf of the turf cutters, to go back to the European Union with proposals that are reasonable and obviously will be minimalistic in a sense. We are working on them, having received a large number of submissions in response to the three documents, particularly to two of them, that we issued for public discussion.

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