Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I raise the issue of the need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to clarify if the Department is planning to introduce new areas of special protection similar to the National Trust in Britain, and if Lough Key Forest Park or areas adjacent to it are included in any such proposals.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service sees such areas as integral to our national heritage. They are part of our identity and provide resources of social, educational, recreational and aesthetic value — the concept is a good one. I am concerned, however, that these areas may be used to block development in our national parks. We enjoy such areas but we need development within them. I look forward to hearing the Department's reply.