Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the non-signing of a derogation to enable farmers to burn bushes. I am not talking about bushes that are alive. These are bushes that were cut during the winter season and are then piled up and usually burned in the spring when they dry out a bit. As a result of the non-signing of the derogation, they will now have to be mulched. I ask Deputies to excuse me for being slightly out of breath. I was running late. The bushes will be mulched using vehicles with diesel engines so I question the benefit to the environment. This is a huge inconvenience to farmers and there has been no lead-in time. I ask the Taoiseach whether this derogation will be signed because until now, his Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has declined to sign it.

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