Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Yes. I thank the Minister of State for the outline of the position, which is an outline of recent history and an apologia from the national parks and wildlife service. This is what it believes and it may well be correct. However, the Minister of State said that this practice now is illegal on foot of the order made by the Minister, which gave the jarveys three months to comply. However, that effectively is a unilateral decision and I wish to be apprised of the legal basis behind it. Of course, if the matter goes to the High Court or a similar destination, the Minister of State will be precluded from providing such information. My point is that unless common sense prevails, this matter will be resolved by the man in the wig. However, this lock-out is serving no purpose.

I consider this material to be more objectionable when found on the streets of our town and the connecting roadways than in the park. In the latter, there are NPWS staff and others to remove it and transplant it to the rose bushes or wherever it will do good. Moreover, people can avoid it as it is clearly visible in the middle of the paths and one can walk on the grass. For that reason, I believe the licensing authority also must be involved. I do not know what legal right the NPWS has to make a unilateral decision in this regard. Moreover, if the matter becomes tied up legally, it might be difficult to find out. I completely accept in good faith the Minister of State's remarks. However, the matter is crying out for resolution and this stand-off is damaging our tourism further. We all are in the business-----