Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What I am saying is that there is a group of natural heritage areas that are already de-designated. We are already engaging with the people who will have to stop cutting by 2017, and we have opened a compensation scheme to them. Some designated sites will be de-designated and we will designate new sites that will be mainly on State lands. We are trying to ensure that there will be a good sample of natural heritage area bogs and that the impact on people is kept to a minimum. In fairness, there has been widespread acceptance that this is a good way forward.

In respect of the assistance given, I was involved in the process in Cavan and I know that the Deputy met me on one occasion. A lot of work took place after that meeting; my officials engaged with turf cutters in Cavan and we found a solution. Many people are involved, and I know Deputies Connaughton and Feighan and a number of other Deputies have been involved in trying to find a solution. That is what it is about. It is about working together to find the right solution, hearing people's views and getting the right result at the end of the day.

See this speech in context