Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Healy-Rae did not say it. Others, who live in urban Ireland, did. We need to be clear about this. There are people here talking about cutting turf who I would say never were on a bog. I can tell them, with the back problems I have, that I have spent time on a bog. I know all about it. Some Deputies have that experience but there are plenty of people speaking here who probably never were on a bog, footed turf and brought it home but who claim to be experts just because this issue is popular.

Let us have a real and proper conversation about how we can achieve a just transition over time. It is what the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, wants to do and we are working with everybody to achieve it. Let us not exaggerate what is being proposed. It is not about banning the cutting or saving of turf. It is about managing and regulating its sale in certain urban centres and other areas. Let us be clear about that.

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