Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

In my view the particular Deputy is very seriously misleading people. He would want to reflect on whether serious financial consequences could arise for any farmers involved in breaking the law if it were to impact on their farm payments. This must be considered by everybody. While we do not like the EU directive, it is in place and the country stands to be fined €25,000 per day. We have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law. A few months ago there was a window of opportunity for some negotiated concessions from Europe on the issue as initiated by the Minister, Deputy Deenihan. However, the opportunity was not taken and people were badly advised not to go along with the proposals put forward by the Minister. We are in a most unfortunate situation. People feel passionately about cutting turf and their right to do so. We must try to balance this with upholding the rule of law. The previous Government had 14 years to sort out the issue but it did nothing about it. It was left to the incoming Government to do so. Now we are feeling the flak because of what is happening. I would like to see a cooling-off period in which everybody withdraws from Cloonmoylan bog and we consider whether negotiations on the concessions discussed by the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, can be re-opened. I hope the rule of law will be upheld, the Garda will be supported, common sense will prevail and no serious injuries or damage is caused.