Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Cox. The much vaunted Health Service Executive has caused great frustration among public representatives because it is very difficult to get information from within the system, which was previously possible with the health boards. I agree with the Senator's comments.

Previous speakers have spoken about a grave matter and I am reluctant to change the subject. However, I wish to raise the matter of turf-cutting because a crazy situation has arisen. Turf-cutting has been a traditional right of people in this country but the latest edict from the EU, that in future turf-cutters must apply for planning permission and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will require an environmental impact assessment from the turf-cutter is crazy. If such restrictions are imposed it will be another example of how this has become an over regulated country. Rather than ask that Minister to come into the House, would the Leader find out from him if this is true and if so, would she point it to him that it is a crazy scenario?