Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Is it fair to say that the last Government made a grave error in banning farmers from cutting turf in certain bogs? I am referring to the priority legislation, the wildlife (amendment) Bill. Is it factual to say the last Government made a grave error in stopping farmers from cutting turf on certain bogs?

A second issue is that long-serving and dedicated staff of the Central Remedial Clinic are in the Mercer IPT pension scheme and were horrified recently to be told that their pensions were being suspended. They were not consulted on any possible rescue package. They are public servants, identical to the other 250 staff entitled to a public service pension. It is an awful position for those people. The Minister for Social Protection is reviewing legislation on pensions so I would be grateful for an answer on those two very important issues.

See this speech in context